Candidate Instructions
This mock examination is designed to simulate the structure and communication demands of the ICAO English Language Proficiency assessment for pilots and air traffic controllers.
The test evaluates the following ICAO language proficiency descriptors:
- Pronunciation
- Structure
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Interactions
The exam is divided into four parts:
- Warm-Up Interview
- Aviation Communication Tasks
- Listening and Response Tasks
- Extended Discussion and Problem Solving
Recommended total duration: 30–40 minutes.
PART 1 — WARM-UP INTERVIEW
Examiner Questions
Answer each question in complete sentences. Expand your answers naturally.
- Please introduce yourself and describe your aviation background.
- What type of aircraft do you fly or work with?
- Describe a typical flight or shift.
- What do you enjoy most about aviation?
- What are the biggest communication challenges in aviation?
- Describe a memorable flight or operational situation.
- How do you prepare for unexpected situations?
- Why is English important in international aviation?
- Describe the weather conditions at your home airport.
- What are your professional goals in aviation?
PART 2 — AVIATION COMMUNICATION TASKS
Section A — Standard Phraseology
Read the following situations aloud and respond using standard ICAO phraseology where appropriate.
Situation 1 — Departure Clearance
You are parked at Stand 14 at Madrid-Barajas Airport. You are operating Iberia 452 to Rome.
ATC says:
“IBERIA 452, cleared to Rome via NANDO 3A departure, squawk 4271.”
Candidate Task:
- Read back the clearance correctly.
Situation 2 — Altitude Change
ATC says:
“SPEEDBIRD 221, climb flight level 350.”
Candidate Task:
- Respond appropriately.
Situation 3 — Runway Change
ATC says:
“Due to wind changes, expect runway 27 instead of runway 18.”
Candidate Task:
- Acknowledge the change and ask for confirmation if necessary.
Situation 4 — Frequency Change
ATC says:
“Contact Barcelona Control on 134 decimal 775.”
Candidate Task:
- Read back the frequency.
Situation 5 — Holding Instruction
ATC says:
“Maintain holding at LERGA, expect further clearance at 1430.”
Candidate Task:
- Acknowledge and confirm the holding instruction.
Section B — Plain English in Non-Routine Situations
Provide clear explanations in plain English.
Situation 6 — Passenger Medical Emergency
A passenger becomes unconscious during cruise flight.
Candidate Task:
- Explain the situation to ATC.
- Request assistance.
- Describe your intentions.
Situation 7 — Bird Strike
Shortly after takeoff, you suspect a bird strike affecting the left engine.
Candidate Task:
- Inform ATC.
- Describe the situation.
- State your request.
Situation 8 — Severe Turbulence
You encounter severe turbulence at FL390.
Candidate Task:
- Inform ATC.
- Describe the conditions.
- Request a new altitude if necessary.
Situation 9 — Communication Failure
Your radio communication becomes intermittent.
Candidate Task:
- Explain the problem.
- Request alternative communication procedures.
Situation 10 — Fuel Concern
Unexpected headwinds are increasing fuel consumption.
Candidate Task:
- Explain the situation.
- State whether it is an urgency or precaution.
- Describe your intentions.
PART 3 — LISTENING AND RESPONSE TASKS
Instructions
The examiner or instructor should read the following messages aloud at natural aviation speaking speed.
The candidate should:
- Repeat key information.
- Explain the message in plain English.
- State the appropriate operational response.
Listening Task 1
“EAGLE 302, traffic at your two o’clock, ten miles, opposite direction, descending through flight level 340.”
Candidate Tasks:
- Repeat the traffic information.
- Explain the situation.
- Describe your response.
Listening Task 2
“Due to congestion, expect holding delay of approximately twenty minutes.”
Candidate Tasks:
- Summarize the message.
- Explain operational considerations.
- Describe what actions you may take.
Listening Task 3
“Runway inspection in progress. Expect departure delay. Advise minimum fuel status.”
Candidate Tasks:
- Repeat the important information.
- Explain the implications.
- State how you would respond.
Listening Task 4
“Multiple thunderstorm cells reported north of the airport moving east at twenty knots.”
Candidate Tasks:
- Explain the weather situation.
- Describe operational risks.
- Suggest possible actions.
Listening Task 5
“Emergency vehicles are standing by as a precaution.”
Candidate Tasks:
- Explain what this means.
- Describe possible reasons.
- State how this information affects operations.
PART 4 — EXTENDED DISCUSSION AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Instructions
Provide detailed answers. Support your opinions with explanations and examples.
Topic 1 — Human Factors
Discuss how fatigue affects aviation safety.
Possible points:
- Decision-making
- Communication errors
- Situational awareness
- Prevention strategies
Topic 2 — Automation
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cockpit automation.
Possible points:
- Workload reduction
- Dependence on systems
- Pilot monitoring
- Training requirements
Topic 3 — Cross-Cultural Communication
Why can misunderstandings occur between international crews and controllers?
Possible points:
- Accents
- Phraseology differences
- Non-standard English
- Strategies for improving understanding
Topic 4 — Emergency Decision-Making
Describe a situation where a pilot or controller may need to make a rapid decision.
Possible points:
- Weather deviations
- Technical failures
- Medical emergencies
- Prioritization
Topic 5 — Aviation Safety
In your opinion, what is the most important factor in maintaining aviation safety?
Provide examples from operations or training.
ROLE-PLAY SCENARIOS
Scenario 1 — Diversion Due to Weather
Situation
You are flying from Lisbon to Paris. Severe thunderstorms are blocking your route.
Candidate Tasks
- Explain the weather problem to ATC.
- Request a deviation or diversion.
- Discuss fuel considerations.
- Coordinate with cabin crew and passengers.
Scenario 2 — Hydraulic Failure
Situation
You receive a hydraulic system warning during descent.
Candidate Tasks
- Inform ATC.
- Explain the seriousness of the issue.
- Request priority handling.
- Describe landing preparations.
Scenario 3 — Passenger Disturbance
Situation
A disruptive passenger is creating a security concern.
Candidate Tasks
- Inform ATC.
- Describe the situation clearly.
- Request police assistance on arrival.
- Explain operational concerns.
PICTURE DESCRIPTION TASKS
Instructions
The examiner presents an aviation-related image.
The candidate should:
- Describe what is happening.
- Identify hazards or concerns.
- Explain likely actions or procedures.
- Speculate carefully using appropriate language.
Suggested Image Topics
- Aircraft de-icing operation
- Congested apron during low visibility
- Emergency evacuation on runway
- Aircraft approaching during heavy rain
- ATC tower during severe weather
- Bird activity near runway
- Aircraft with smoke near engine
- Passenger boarding during strong winds
SAMPLE HIGH-LEVEL RESPONSES
Example — Medical Emergency
“Madrid Control, Iberia 452, we have a passenger medical emergency onboard. One passenger is unconscious and requires immediate medical attention. We request priority handling and possible diversion to the nearest suitable airport. We also request medical services on arrival.”
Example — Turbulence Report
“Barcelona Control, Speedbird 221 is experiencing severe turbulence at flight level 390. Unable to maintain altitude accurately. Request descent to flight level 350 if available.”
Example — Fuel Concern
“Due to stronger than forecast headwinds, our fuel remaining is lower than expected. At this time it is precautionary, but we may require priority if conditions worsen.”
ICAO LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY RATING GUIDE
ICAO Level 4 — Operational
A Level 4 speaker generally:
- Communicates effectively in routine and non-routine situations
- Uses understandable pronunciation
- Demonstrates adequate vocabulary and grammar
- Can resolve misunderstandings
- Speaks with reasonable fluency
Common weaknesses may include:
- Occasional hesitation
- Limited vocabulary in unusual situations
- Minor grammatical errors
ICAO Level 5 — Extended
A Level 5 speaker generally:
- Speaks fluently with good accuracy
- Handles unexpected situations effectively
- Uses a wider vocabulary range
- Rarely experiences communication breakdowns
ICAO Level 6 — Expert
A Level 6 speaker generally:
- Uses natural and precise English
- Communicates effortlessly in complex situations
- Demonstrates excellent comprehension
- Handles ambiguity and nuance effectively
EXAMINER ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
| Area | Questions for Examiner |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Is the candidate understandable internationally? |
| Structure | Are grammar and sentence structures adequate? |
| Vocabulary | Can the candidate discuss routine and non-routine events? |
| Fluency | Is speech smooth and appropriately paced? |
| Comprehension | Does the candidate understand normal and unexpected messages? |
| Interaction | Can the candidate manage communication effectively? |
FINAL PRACTICE TASK
Full Emergency Scenario
You are operating a night flight over the Mediterranean Sea. You experience:
- Moderate icing
- Increasing turbulence
- One navigation system malfunction
- A sick passenger
- Fuel concerns due to rerouting
Candidate Tasks
Explain:
- Which problem you would prioritize first.
- How you would communicate with ATC.
- What information you would provide to the cabin crew.
- Whether you would divert.
- How you would manage workload and situational awareness.
Provide a complete operational explanation using both standard phraseology and plain English where appropriate.