Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) 0714FS
Flight crew English language proficiency for radiotelephony communication

Objectives

To introduce the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) on language proficiency for flight crew.
Amend Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 40.0 to require pilots on international flight operations to have an English language endorsement in their flight crew licence.
Set renewal requirements for the Levels of English language proficiency.
Preserve existing standards for flight crew licences issued before 5 March 2008.
Specify English language proficiency requirements for issue of new flight crew licences with effect from 5 March 2008.

Levels Four and Five English language proficiency require renewals at periodic intervals.
No change to domestic operations for holders of licences issued before 5 March 2008.
Licences issued from 5 March 2008 shall only be issued if the applicant has a Level Four English language proficiency.
Student Pilot Licence shall only be issued if the CFI is satisfied with the student pilot’s English speaking proficiency necessary for the student to exercise the authority of the SPL safely. For students from non-English speaking backgrounds, the applicant has to demonstrate a minimum standard of General English like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
Flight crew on international operations must have at least a Level Four English Language proficiency endorsed licence.

Comment period now closed.

Contact Teoh Cheang Hoe
email: cheanghoe.teoh@casa.gov.au