ICAO and Eurocontrol formalise new language proficiency testing cooperation

Above: Eurocontrol will assist ICAO Home of English Language Proficiency Programme by supporting its work to increase awareness of Language Proficiency Requirements and, in particular, by making Eurocontrol’s English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication (ELPAC) test available to all ICAO Member States.

As part of this collaboration, Eurocontrol will assist I-HELPP (ICAO Home of English Language Proficiency Programme) by supporting its work to increase awareness of Language Proficiency Requirements and, in particular, by making Eueocontrol’s English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication (ELPAC) test available to all ICAO Member States. 

“In view of the global nature of aviation, clear aeronautical communications are vitally important to safeguard flight safety and ICAO provisions therefore require flight crews, air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators to demonstrate a measurable aviation-related proficiency in English,” stressed ICAO Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu. “ICAO is refocusing itself today, under our No Country Left Behind initiative, on improving local and regional capacities and assistance so that ICAO SARPs are effectively adopted and all States may benefit from the presence of safe and reliable international operations.” 

Frank Brenner, the director general of Eurocontrol, commented on signing the agreement “The collaboration between ICAO and Eurocontrol is a large step towards improving Language Proficiency Implementation at the global level. States / CAAs wishing to improve their Language Proficiency Implementation may work with I-HELPP and benefit from the support and tools offered.”