The Challenges of Pilot Language Training for Effective Aeronautical Communications in Multicultural Contexts

Abstract

This paper discusses the main elements that account for effective aeronautical communication in multicultural contexts and identifies the approaches that can offer support to these elements. Most exchanges are performed by people from different linguacultural backgrounds and, although Aviation English is the language to be used in operations, communication dynamics are supposed to require skills that go beyond language proficiency. Data were collected from a questionnaire answered by experienced pilots flying in international airspace and results were analyzed both from a quantitative and a qualitative perspective. The main findings show some of the challenges faced by pilots who are non-native speakers of English regarding elements that should be observed in training practices.

Authors

• Pacheco, Aline Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Silva, Tales Figueiredo Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• aeronautical communication
• pilot language training
• multicultural contexts