www.rmitenglishworldwide.com

Language Communication:

A key safety factor for the integration of

RPAS into the current aviation environment

Presented By: Rachele Zito, Aviation Relationship Manager

RMIT English Worldwide

• RMIT: Royal Melbourne Institute of

Technology University

• Established in 1887

• Over 70,000 students

• Leader in technology, design, global

business, communication, global

communities, health solutions etc.

• Aviation industry related courses:

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Maintenance

Aviation Management and Flight

Training

RMIT University

Training and testing solutions

for Aviation industry personnel

in over 25 countries

worldwide

RMIT English Worldwide

25 years of

experience in

providing Aviation

English

45 years of experience in

providing English language

training and testing

solutions for academic and

professional purposes

Providing English language training and testing

solutions for the Aviation Industry

Define the specific needsof Aviation Industry

personnel

Develop learning programs to build English language

communication skills in Aviation work related

context

Develop testingsolutions to measure

valid and reliablelanguage proficiency

levels

Identify needs to buildand maintain language

proficiency

Aviation

English

‘Teaching and testing standardized phraseology are operational issues,

not a language proficiency issue.’ ICAO Doc 9835: 6.2.8.6

Standard Phraseology VS Aviation English

‘While an aviation language test may include phraseology ……..it is

important that tests elicit a broad range of plain language and not be

limited to tasks that require standardized phraseology. The focus of a

language proficiency test for compliance with ICAO requirements

should be on plain language.’ ICAO Doc 9835: 6.3.2.8

Frequently

and recently

used language is

stored at the front of

your mind and is

rapidly accessible.

Infrequently

used language

is located at the

back of your

mind and

requires more

time and effort

to be accessed.

Standard Phraseology VS Aviation English

Plain English

Communication

Skills:

Aviation

Context

5

6

4

3

Standard Phraseology VS Aviation English

unexpected, unusual or non-routine situation

Operational knowledge and skills +

Proactive and Reactive decision making +

Human Factors

ICAO

Standard

Phraseology

ICAO

Standard

Phraseology

Plain English

Communication

Skills:

work related

Aviation English

Plain English

Communication

Skills:

work related

Aviation English

ICAO is still concerned about the implementation of

Language Proficiency Requirements

‘States find the oversight of language proficiency assessment challenging,

because:

• dependable aviation language testing expertise is scarce

• the aviation language testing industry is unregulated

Only the ELPAC and RELTA tests, have been recognized to meet ICAO

SARPS for LPRs and ICAO Doc 9835.’

Nicole Barrette, Technical Specialist (Licensing and Training Standards)

ICAO Inter-regional English Language Proficiency Workshop

Kuwait, November 9, 2015

What is ICAO doing about it?

ICAO's

Aviation English

Language Test

Service (AELTS)

Implemented in

2011

What is the solution to achieve global standardisation of

English language proficiency results?

ICAO are actively involved in encouraging the use of ICAO recognised tests

through I-HELPP and the auditing process

"The RELTA test has recently been recognised by ICAO for conformance with

its international Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPS) with regard to

the Language Proficiency Requirements (LPRs). We at ICAO look forward to

working with RELTA under the I-HELPP initiative to support States around the

world to implement the LPRs and to offer an acceptable means of compliance.”

Miguel Marin, Programme Manager of I-HELPP (ICAO Home of English Language Proficiency

Programme)

Language assessment and subject matter expertise to develop and implement a valid and

reliable ICAO compliant testing solution.

• Focuses on plain English speaking and listening communication skills in an Aviation

context

• Examiners and raters are trained and accredited by RMIT English Worldwide

• RELTA is rated by at least two accredited raters so that results are fair and reliable

• If required, RMIT Training can provide qualified RELTA raters for test centres

• Computers are utilised in the delivery of RELTA to enhance authenticity and task

interactivity and allow for standardised and uniform administration

• Simple and efficient administration and delivery procedures

• Provides sufficient versions and security measures

• Centralised record management system

• Results can be provided to local CAA, airline or air navigation service providers

• Candidates can access results online

• RMIT Training forms partnerships with test centres that have approval from their CAA

to deliver RELTA

RMIT English Language Test for Aviation (RELTA)

RELTA format

• Computer delivered Listening Test, 35-50 minutes

• Examiner delivered Speaking Test, 25-30 minutes

computer based application delivered by an accredited

RELTA Examiner and rated separately by two accredited

RELTA Raters

There are three types of RELTA to reflect aviation work-related scenarios of

aviation professionals:

• RELTA for Pilots (IFR)

• RELTA for Light Aircraft (VFR)

• RELTA for Air Traffic Controllers

Tower

Approach

Area Control (En-Route)

RELTA format

What are the benefits of using an English language

proficiency test recognised by ICAO?

Using a valid and reliable English language proficiency test solution can:

• significantly contribute to safe global air travel

• allow Civil Aviation Authorities to efficiently and confidently comply with ICAO language

proficiency SARPS and safety audit requirements

• give airlines the opportunity to promote their airline as only using the highest quality

standards to ensure safety

• provide Air Navigation Service Providers confidence in operating air traffic

management systems with a minimised risk of miscommunication during unexpected

non-routine situations

• allow Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots in different airspace worldwide to communicate

effectively in all air traffic management situations

• increase career mobility of pilots and ATC

From Aviation English training to testing

RELTA for ATCOS

General English

for Aviation

Module A

General English

for Aviation

Module BRadiotelephony

English

for ATCOs

Radiotelephony

English

for Pilots

RELTA for Pilots

Beyond Level 4

for Pilots

Beyond Level 4

for ATCOs

Pathway to Aviation English language proficiencyMaintain

Compliance

250 hours 125 hours 80 hours1 hour

Delivery options

• Classroom based teaching

• E-Learning

• Blended Learning

General English for Aviation

• Consists of up to 250 hours of

learning materials across two

modules: Module 1 and Module

2, with an option to enter at

either Module 1 or 2.

• Provides an interactive

approach to learning with

relevant and meaningful

activities using a variety of

aviation-related situations.

• Focuses on improving broad

language skills in general

English contexts related to

aviation.

• Is suited to a flexible delivery

options

Radiotelephony for Pilots and ATC

• Two separate programs specifically designed for

either pilots or air traffic controllers.

• Radiotelephony English is an English language

course for pilots or ATC who need to improve

their plain English in radiotelephony

communication to meet ICAO Language

Proficiency Requirements.

• Contains book-based and online learning

materials for flexible learning.

• Consists of 125 hours of learning materials across two components:

Workbook (65 hours) and online CBT package (60 Hours).

• Is interactive approach to learning with activities based on a variety of ground

and in-flight situations.

• Focuses on listening and speaking skills required for routine and non-routine

communication using aviation words and phrases, as well as plain English.

• Allows for flexible study options

Beyond Level 4

• Over 200 learning activities, across eight

units, each based on a different safety-

related topic

• Approximately 80 to 100 hours of course

materials, including ongoing assessment

and feedback. Participants can continue to

use the online material once purchased

• Designed to build and maintain

language proficiency

• Cost effective training solution

• Flexible delivery

• Individual monitoring of course progress by both assessors and participants

through performance reports allows participants to receive customised

language support and feedback on the six core skill areas identified by ICAO