Civil Aviation Safety Authority

English Language proficiency

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When does the ICAO standard of English proficiency commence in Australia?

CASA will implement the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO's) language proficiency standards on 5 March 2008 for all licence holders at the private pilot licence level and above.   The proficiency standards for student pilots will be implemented from 5 September 2008.

Applications received by CASA on or after the applicable date must comply with the new standards.

Why does CASA want to implement this ICAO standard of English proficiency?

CASA is confident the adoption of the ICAO standards will boost existing English proficiency levels in Australia, provide a better system of review and, as a result, enhance overall safety.

CASA abides by the ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARP) and after careful consideration of this SARP, CASA saw benefits to Australia’s English language proficiency system.

When can I apply for my English language proficiency to be shown on my licence?

Flight crew licence holders, who operate internationally, can be assessed by a level six assessor and have their level 6 English proficiency placed on their licence.

I need to fly internationally and don’t have time before 5 March to do the assessment. What can I do to have a level four proficiency?

In limited circumstances CASA will update a pilot’s licence with a level four English language proficiency. As long as the licence is a PPL or higher and was issued before 5 March 2008, the pilot’s licence will be updated if the pilot makes a declaration that he or she is to be conducting an international operation within 3 months of the application.

Certification will include a declaration that you need to fly internationally and you must provide proof of residency in Australia or New Zealand for the last two years.

Application forms

I am a New Zealand flight crew licence holder and want my licence to be recognised by Australia. How does this affect me?

CASA already recognises New Zealand flight crew licences. A language assessment included on your New Zealand licence would be recognised by CASA and entered on your Australian equivalent licence.

Does CASA recognise language proficiency assessments done in other countries?

CASA recognises language proficiency assessments in the same way that other flight crew qualifications are recognised. A language proficiency endorsed on a flight crew licence that was issued by an ICAO contracting State would normally be recognised by CASA. CASA only recognises language proficiency assessments from States that have ICAO compliant English language proficiency systems in place. CASA also recognises language proficiency assessments conducted overseas by organisations that have been approved by CASA.

I hold a flight crew licence that was issued by another country which has my language proficiency endorsed on it. How do I get my Australian flight crew licence updated with language proficiency?

You need to provide CASA with a certified true copy of your foreign licence which includes the language proficiency endorsement. CASA will update your licence with the language proficiency assessment. You will need to pay CASA $25 to obtain an updated copy of your licence.

I am not from Australia and want to convert my foreign licence to an Australia licence after 5 March 2008. I have an English language proficiency on my foreign licence. Will CASA convert it?

Yes, CASA will convert the overseas licence (as long as it was issued by an ICAO State) along with the English language proficiency shown on that licence using the process for converting overseas licences. More information: After an Australian licence?

What if I don’t have an English language proficiency on my foreign licence. Will CASA still convert my overseas licence after 5 March 2008?

CASA may recognise the method by which an ICAO state is complying with the ICAO language requirements

Do I have to have language proficiency for other countries languages if I fly internationally?

English is the accepted international language for aviation. When flying within a foreign country (other than at international airports) you should check with the regulatory authority of that country.

What proof do I need to provide for student pilots General English proficiency from 1 January 2009?

You will need to be assessed by the school's Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) as having at least the minimum proficiency to communicate orally in the English language, to enable you as the SPL holder to safely conduct flying operations. Additionally the CFI of the flying school will need to be satisfied that you meet one of the specified criteria listed below, by showing the CFI a suitable document that gives evidence that you have met one of the following requirements:

  • The applicant has undertaken or completed his/her secondary education in an Australian or New Zealand educational institution, or the equivalent of an Australian secondary education in a country where one of the principal mediums of instruction had been in English.
  • The applicant is still receiving secondary education in Australia or New Zealand where the language of instruction at the school is English.
  • The applicant has spent at least three in the past five years of employment in Australia, New Zealand or a specified country (UK, USA, Republic of Ireland, Canada*), where the documented evidence may include a group certificate, a number of pay slips or a letter from your employer stating the period that you worked in that workplace
  • * For Canada, proof of English language proficiency may still be required
  • The applicant meets or exceeds one of the General English Test criteria specified in Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 40.0, Appendix 3. Documented evidence will be a hard copy of your test scores. These are provided from the general English testing centre after you have completed the test.

How do I get a copy of my flight crew licence, displaying my language proficiency assessment?

From 1 June 2008, pilots wanting an updated copy of their  flight crew licence including their language proficiency assessment will need  to pay the standard fee of $25.00.  Use form 1137 if making a payment.

 

 
Contact CASA
Site help  |  Copyright   |  Privacy