English Language Proficiency

List of ELP Assessors

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has set requirements relating to the English Language Proficiency of Flight Crew.

The Irish Aviation Authority (Personnel Licensing) Order, 2000 (SI 333 of 2000), as amended and Aeronautical Notices P18 and P19 set the requirements for English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment in the State. The requirement commenced on 5th March, 2008

On or before that date any pilots holding a Radio telephony rating were issued with an English Language Proficiency at ICAO Level 4. The Level 4 proficiency must be reassessed every three or four years depending on the relevant regulation.

Current testing methods

English Language Proficiency assessments are currently performed during Licence Skill Tests (LSTs) and Licence Proficiency Checks (LPCs) by examiners authorised by the Authority as English Language Assessors.

NOTE: With regard to Irish Licence holders operating in another EU member state, the Authority may accept some English Language Proficiency assessments carried out by assessors who are licensed and directly approved by another EU member state Aviation Authority to perform English Language Assessments. A copy of the current examiner authorisation which shows the authorisation to perform language assessments must be submitted with any assessments sent to the Authority. Web-based testing methods are not currently accepted by the Authority. If you have any doubt as to the acceptability of a proposed assessor please forward a copy of the current examiner authorisation to this Authority in advance of a proposed test. ELP endorsements on ICAO licences (e.g. UK) are not acceptable – only tests completed i.a.w. the EU Aircrew Reg. are acceptable.

Additional Testing Methods

Not all licensed pilots in the State may be subject to an LST or LPC under the oversight of an examiner authorised by the Authority as an English Language Assessor. Examples are applicants for Student Pilot licences, PPL holders with a SEP rating only who revalidate by experience, and Irish licensed professional pilots who perform their revalidation outside a JAA Member State. A standalone ground test has been developed to cater for such pilots.

Details of Test

Components of test

(a) The language proficiency assessment is designed to reflect a range of tasks undertaken by pilots but with the specific focus on language rather than operational procedures.

(b) The assessment will determine the applicant's ability to:

• communicate effectively using standard radiotelephony phraseology; and
• deliver and understand messages in plain language in both usual and unusual situations that necessitate departure from standard radiotelephony phraseology.

(c).  The assessment will consider three elements, as follows:

• Listening - assessment of comprehension;
• Speaking - assessment of pronunciation, fluency, structure and vocabulary;
• Interaction.

(d).  On completion of the test the English Language Assessor will indicate the English Language Proficiency rating attained.

List of English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessors Appointed to Conduct Ground-Based ELP Tests.

The list indicates the level to which each assessor may perform assessments. Please contact the ELP Assessor directly.