ICAO Language Proficiency Training

ICAO LEVELS 4-6 ICAO divides the skill levels to be achieved into 6 categories from 1 to 6, level 6 being the highest level. The safety-relevant limit was set at level 4. This is the minimum level you need to achieve. Level 4 is also called the OPERATIONAL level. The next higher level is level 5 or the EXTENDED level, and finally there is level 6, which is restricted to EXPERTS (usually native speakers).

Basic ICAO Level 4 Aviation English

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Our basic course for obtaining ICAO Level 4 in English is aimed primarily at private pilots or pilots in training who have little opportunity to speak English in their everyday lives or who want to improve in certain parts of the ICAO Rating Scale. General English courses can be found in many different places and there are also plenty of textbooks available, but only very rarely do candidates achieve their desired goal this way. Therefore, we work with each candidate individually to define their training program.

Before your English training begins, this is what we do:

The candidate's language level is assessed.
Specific training objectives are determined together with the candidate.
Course contents and training methods are determined.
An individual training plan is designed.

What do I have to know for ICAO L4?

Most of you have heard about the ICAO Rating Scale and already know that special attention is paid to the following areas when evaluating your test:

ICAO Rating Scale

Pronunciation
Structure
Vocabulary
Fluency
Comprehension
Interaction

What does ICAO Level 4 mean? For LEVEL 4, also called the Operational LEVEL, it is not necessary to communicate absolutely error-free in terms of grammar, or to pronounce English on a native-speaker level. In short: For LEVEL 4, grammar as well as word order (which, by the way, differs from language to language), vocabulary, and pronunciation are checked in order to determine whether and to what extent they influence meaning and comprehension. For German-speaking readers who would like more information please see our book, Language Proficiency für Piloten. ISBN: 978-3-9503228-0-4

Our Training tools

English Speaking Practice via Skype

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English Speaking Training via Skype with MIKE! After an initial assessment of your English skills you're all set to go ahead with your personalized training. In many instances people just need to practice their speaking a lot more! Here, our Skype training has proven to be highly successful. Together with MIKE, your conversation partner, who is an experienced pilot with an international background, or one of our commercial flight school instructors or highly-skilled private pilots, you can set up your individual training schedule. We will then coordinate the subject areas and key topics for your practice sessions based on our initial assessment of your skills and any gaps that we have identified. If you want, we can record your conversation sessions. Our experts will analyze them and provide feedback for your trainer to use. You will also be given valuable feedback via email in order to help you prepare for your next speaking session. Your trainer will cover exactly those topics in your next meeting. This is a tried and tested system, proven to help you succeed while at the same time helping you save as much time as possible through personalized training sessions. Get more information today by contacting MIKE at office@sierramike-consulting.com!

English Classroom Training

Upon request, we can arrange individual training days, workshops, or lessons for you with our team of experts and, after a preliminary assessment, we will tailor the training to your personal needs. We can also organize face-to-face sessions in combination with self-study and distance training.

Aviation English Week for Student Pilots

Once every summer we offer an Aviation English Week for student pilots. This one-week workshop is geared towards individuals still at the beginning of their careers but who want to aim high. At SierraMike you'll have the opportunity to practice with trainers who have several thousand hours of international experience and who will help you with all the specific vocabulary, phraseology, and conversation skills you need in Plain English. This training week will prepare you for your ICAO LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST and is a big advantage with a view to future pilot selection interviews.

The course consists of the following:

Introduction to ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements
PRONUNCIATION training
STRUCTURE (grammar) training based on aviation topics
VOCABULARY practice (aviation terminology) by picture prompts
Intensive COMPREHENSION practice (unfamiliar accents)
Intensive COMMUNICATION practice (international radio communication) for better FLUENCY
Interview training for better INTERACTION
Interview training for airline SELECTIONS
PRACTICE TEST and debriefing

EXTENDED and EXPERT LEVEL Training

If you already have a very good command of English and would like to take a Level 5 or Level 6 test, we would be happy to provide you with individual assistance and advice on the requirements and give you valuable suggestions on how to prepare. You also have the option of having your proficiency level assessed in advance and to train individually with our experts. Depending on your personal English improvement needs, you will practice your pronunciation with native speakers, sharpen your ear for different accents, improve your structural skills with expert English professors, and train interaction and fluency in conversation with seasoned professional pilots.

Language Proficiency Training for Examiners

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We also offer English training for our language examiners. Why? Because our examiners know that in order to maintain their level of English, it is necessary to practice constantly and stay up to speed. Each year we are offer 3 days of language training, even for Level 6 examiners. Who should participate? Anyone in doubt about which of the following questions are correct! Are two correct? Three? Or maybe even all of them?

Which of the following questions are correct?

Can you express your opinion to the issue?
Can you express your opinion over the issue?
Can you express your opinion about the issue?
Can you express your opinion on the issue?