Presenter Email

roberj62@erau.edu; omarm@my.erau.edu

Location

Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center (Bldg. #602)

Start Date

8-14-2017 1:15 PM

End Date

8-14-2017 2:45 PM

Keywords

ATC Communication, Radiotelephony, Phraseology, Aviation English

Abstract

ATC communications are a complex mix of FAA phraseology and plain English. The dynamic demands of a pilot’s workload, simultaneously operating the aircraft, managing checklists, and maintaining situational awareness, make this domain of communication particularly challenging for many non-native English speakers. The dramatic growth of aviation in regions of the world in which English is not the native language has increased the need for flight training organizations to address and manage language issues. This paper outlines a new initiative at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to support flight students with the English language necessary for successful flight training. Two subject matter experts (SMEs) - a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and an Aviation English Instructor - collaborated to create a course which helps flight students learn the basic foundations of ATC communications for VFR flight, focusing on listening comprehension and speaking strategies. By introducing best practices from language teaching, the operational content is taught to students in a more interactive and communicative manner. Primarily, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), an approach which simulates real-world activities in the classroom by asking students to do meaningful tasks using authentic language, is used to practice ATIS comprehension and radio communications during Ground, Departure, Practice Area, and Arrival Operations. Students are presented with ample opportunity to simulate radio communication in a stress-free environment, strengthening their confidence in their own ability to utilize these exact language skills in their actual flight training. This paper will discuss the design and implementation of this course, including background information, pedagogical rational, instructional methodologies, classroom activities, and proven effectiveness.

1074 Roberts & Omar.pptx (8469 kB)
Original PowerPoint, Full-res

Share

COinS
 
Aug 14th, 1:15 PM Aug 14th, 2:45 PM

Combining Forces: Utilizing Expertise from Applied Linguistics and Flight Instruction for Better ATC Communications

Jim W. Henderson Administration & Welcome Center (Bldg. #602)

ATC communications are a complex mix of FAA phraseology and plain English. The dynamic demands of a pilot’s workload, simultaneously operating the aircraft, managing checklists, and maintaining situational awareness, make this domain of communication particularly challenging for many non-native English speakers. The dramatic growth of aviation in regions of the world in which English is not the native language has increased the need for flight training organizations to address and manage language issues. This paper outlines a new initiative at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to support flight students with the English language necessary for successful flight training. Two subject matter experts (SMEs) - a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and an Aviation English Instructor - collaborated to create a course which helps flight students learn the basic foundations of ATC communications for VFR flight, focusing on listening comprehension and speaking strategies. By introducing best practices from language teaching, the operational content is taught to students in a more interactive and communicative manner. Primarily, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), an approach which simulates real-world activities in the classroom by asking students to do meaningful tasks using authentic language, is used to practice ATIS comprehension and radio communications during Ground, Departure, Practice Area, and Arrival Operations. Students are presented with ample opportunity to simulate radio communication in a stress-free environment, strengthening their confidence in their own ability to utilize these exact language skills in their actual flight training. This paper will discuss the design and implementation of this course, including background information, pedagogical rational, instructional methodologies, classroom activities, and proven effectiveness.

 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.