Test of English for Aviation
Encyclopedia
The Test of English for Aviation (T.E.A.) is a language proficiency test designed and developed by Mayflower College in the United Kingdom
in accordance with ICAO DOC 9835 (Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements Ed 2, 2010) and ICAO CIR 318 (Language Testing Criteria for Global Harmonisation, 2009).
Following several accidents and incidents
where language was a contributory factor, the International Civil Aviation Organization
now requires all civil pilots
and Air traffic controllers (working in an international environment) to have a minimum level of English
.
Six skills (Vocabulary, Structure, Pronunciation, Fluency, Comprehension, Interactions) are assessed on a scale from 1 to 6 (1 = Pre-Elementary, 6=Expert). The lowest of the 6 scores determines the overall score.
Level 4 (Operational) is the required minimum.
Only speaking and listening skills are assessed.
The test takes the form of a 1:1 interview between the candidate and a trained examiner.
Section One Introduction (5–6 minutes)
The candidate is asked a series of questions on common, concrete and work-related topics relating to his/her aviation background.
Section Two Interactive Comprehension (8–12 minutes)
Part 2A: Candidates listen to aviation-specific recordings of non-routine and emergency situations. Candidates are required to explain what they understand about the situation.
Parts 2B & 2C: Candidates listen to a series of problem-solving role-play scenarios. In Part 2B, the candidate is required to ask questions to the speaker. In Part 2C, the candidate is required to give advice to the speaker.
Section Three Description and Discussion (8 minutes)
Candidates are presented with a series of aviation-related images and are asked to describe and compare what they see. The examiner then asks further questions related to the images.
There are currently 96 T.E.A. test centres around the world. T.E.A. Ltd. with Plymouth University are the developers of the International Maritime English Testing System (IMETS)
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in accordance with ICAO DOC 9835 (Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements Ed 2, 2010) and ICAO CIR 318 (Language Testing Criteria for Global Harmonisation, 2009).
Following several accidents and incidents
Aviation accidents and incidents
An aviation accident is defined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 13 as an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked, in which a...
where language was a contributory factor, the International Civil Aviation Organization
International Civil Aviation Organization
The International Civil Aviation Organization , pronounced , , is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth...
now requires all civil pilots
Pilot licensing and certification
Pilot licensing or certification refers to permits to fly aircraft that are issued by the National Aviation Authority in each country, establishing that the holder has met a specific set of knowledge and experience requirements. This includes taking a flying test. The certified pilot can then...
and Air traffic controllers (working in an international environment) to have a minimum level of English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
.
Six skills (Vocabulary, Structure, Pronunciation, Fluency, Comprehension, Interactions) are assessed on a scale from 1 to 6 (1 = Pre-Elementary, 6=Expert). The lowest of the 6 scores determines the overall score.
Level 4 (Operational) is the required minimum.
Only speaking and listening skills are assessed.
The test takes the form of a 1:1 interview between the candidate and a trained examiner.
Section One Introduction (5–6 minutes)
The candidate is asked a series of questions on common, concrete and work-related topics relating to his/her aviation background.
Section Two Interactive Comprehension (8–12 minutes)
Part 2A: Candidates listen to aviation-specific recordings of non-routine and emergency situations. Candidates are required to explain what they understand about the situation.
Parts 2B & 2C: Candidates listen to a series of problem-solving role-play scenarios. In Part 2B, the candidate is required to ask questions to the speaker. In Part 2C, the candidate is required to give advice to the speaker.
Section Three Description and Discussion (8 minutes)
Candidates are presented with a series of aviation-related images and are asked to describe and compare what they see. The examiner then asks further questions related to the images.
There are currently 96 T.E.A. test centres around the world. T.E.A. Ltd. with Plymouth University are the developers of the International Maritime English Testing System (IMETS)