Language Proficiency Rating

[bcrosby]

Take a look at:

http://fly.blakecrosby.com/2008/02/english_language.html

In Canada, starting March 5th, all pilots will require to have the Language Proficency rating on their license.

This ensures that the pilot has the appropriate knowledge of the English language for use in an ATC environment.

"Official" details from NavCanada/Transport Canada are hard to find. Just curious if anyone has any opinion on this decision.

[Panop]

This is a new international ICAO requirement for pilots, flight engineers and air traffic controllers -  see:

http://www.icao.int/icao/en/trivia/peltrgFAQ.htm

http://www.casa.gov.au/newrules/fcl/FS0702.asp

http://www.eurocontrol.int/humanfactors/public/standard_page/Pela.html

A google search under "english language proficiency icao pilot" will reveal a whole new world wide industry comprising schools that will teach and test aviation English language proficiency. Most existing aircrew and controllers will have 'grandfather' rights to continue without testing, at least for a few years.

I can imagine pilots from countries where ATC is bilingual will not be too happy with this new requirement but the safety benefits are undeniable, especially for international flying.

[Jason]

Here's the FAA (US) related material for those interested.

Basically all US pilot certificates used internationally must have an endorsement stating "English Proficient" per an ICAO rule effective March 5, 2008.

If you want to follow the letter of the regulations (or fly internationally), you need to order a replacement certificate from the FAA, which will contain those two words. All pilot certificates issued after Feb 11 will automatically have the endorsement. You can do the request online. It will take five minutes and cost you $2, and you get a spare certificate in case you lose the one you have now.

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/media/2008/info08008.pdf

[bcrosby]

As for Canada. They are automatically issuing new licences for ATPL and Commerical licences.

They will not automatically issue a new one for PPLs. You can, however, request a reprint from your local TC office and they will do it for free.

Again, this is if you want to fly internationally to another ICAO country (like the USA).