English course for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers to achieve ICAO compliance at ICAO Level 4 and above
ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Â The global need for higher standards of English proficiency in aviation A high level of proficiency in English is essential to prevent communication errors during flight. Several aviation incidents have been caused by miscommunication in English. In response the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set new standards of English proficiency for flight crew and air traffic controllers. All ICAO member states need to ensure that all pilots and controllers achieve a minimum level of ICAO Level 4 Operational before March 2011.
This brochure explains exactly what you should do to ensure that you meet the ICAO English Proficiency Requirements The path to ICAO level 4 and above: 1. All flight crew and controllers should first take a Placement Test to find out their current English level. 2. After receiving the results of the Placement Test purchase the required levels of ICAO Aviation English Online necessary to reach ICAO Level 4. 3. Practice English online or arrange optional classroom based training (blended learning) with our experienced Aviation English Teachers. 4. Arrange to take an ICAO English test with an organisation authorised by your national Civil Aviation Department/Authority.
ICAO Aviation English Online
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE The most convenient course for pilots and air traffic controllers ICAO Aviation English Online is suitable for both airline sponsored and private students. If you are a prospective airline pilot or air traffic controller, or even one already in active duty you will find our courses help you quickly and easily obtain proficiency in English to meet the requirements of your chosen career. ICAO Aviation English Online is a proven system that delivers measurable results.
You will need a solid command of English if your goal is to: • • • • • • •
become an airline pilot, become an air traffic controller, become a general aviation pilot, join an airline's cadet pilot programme, begin initial flight training study for an aviation degree. practice for an ICAO retest.
The ICAO Aviation English Online course will help you quickly and easily gain proficiency in English to meet the requirements of an aviation career.
The most effective solution for flight schools Flight schools looking for an English language component for their own courses will be satisfied that ICAO Aviation English Online will fulfil their needs. Aviation English Asia Ltd’s network of experienced aviation English teachers are based throughout the world and can deliver aviation English courses at flight schools, universities and colleges wishing to offer a blended classroom based and online training. Benefit from a structured online course offering over 100 hours of training per level and the expertise of Aviation English teachers who are familiar with both teaching English as a Second or Other Language and flight operations. Flight schools that choose the blended learning option can benefit from expanded classroom lessons based on the online course. Trainee progress can easily be monitored and the system is easy to implement whether you choose the blended or 100% Computer Based Training (CBT) mode. Partner flight schools will receive a complete set of promotional materials and instruction will be provided to ensure that you can operate the system. It’s very easy to integrate into existing flight training operations.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE A proven system chosen by world class partners Aviation English Asia offer the most efficient and cost-effective solution for online / on-site English language training in the region.
The ICAO Aviation English Online course features: • • • • • • • • • • • •
high-quality English training, easy accessibility through the Internet, adherence to ICAO certification standards local support in the region training for all abilities from ICAO levels 2 to 4. high degree of instructor support content–based learning high interest subject matter learning method that allows you to remember nearly 100% of key points. Learning Management System (LMS) genuine recordings from ICAO and FAA based towers designed for ICAO compliance
ICAO Aviation English Online
ICAO Aviation English Online is exactly the same course as used by major airlines with the added benefit of local support from experienced Aviation English teachers.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE The fastest way to achieve proficiency at ICAO Level 4 Whether your goal is to meet the new ICAO English standards, attend an airline’s ICAO English test, communicate more effectively with ground controllers and passengers, or to increase overall effectiveness in communication, all pilots and other flight professionals need a solid command of English. Aviation English Asia is at the forefront of aviation English training in Asia. We are dedicated to helping people whose success depends on improving their English to surpass ICAO Level 4 standards.
Summary of benefits: •
Start at the correct skill level so you will never find it too easy or too difficult. The course consists of four skill levels - Basic, Beginner, High Beginner and Intermediate – each relating to the ICAO scale.
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Get a competitive advantage with recruiters if you already have an ICAO certification.
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Reinforce knowledge learned during flight training.
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Improve your listening, speaking and reading comprehension skills, which leads to further increased vocabulary and better pronunciation.
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Save time - no need to change your schedule to attend traditional English classes.
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Save money - more economical than traditional English classes. (90+ hours of training per level)
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Improve your pronunciation - speaking activities are included in each unit.
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Build your confidence in radiotelephony - by practicing in a safe environment.
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Improve your ability to understand a variety of accents.
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Understand technical aviation reports and text.
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Remember new technical vocabulary easily.
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Communicate with more accurate grammar.
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Learn important information essential for your career.
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Enjoy the course - as the content of lessons is specifically designed to be of high interest to aviation professionals.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Benefits of ICAO Aviation English Online ICAO Aviation English Online is a world-class solution to provide you with the best in English language training. Here are some ways in which you will achieve your goals.
Get a competitive advantage when talking to recruiters An ICAO English rating of level 4 or above will be a big benefit when it comes to selection. Recruiters will put you on the top of the list when interviewing for pilot or air traffic controller positions. If you wait for them to train you in English, you could lose out to someone who already has the certification.
Advanced learning method helps you remember long term You will remember what you learn. ICAO Aviation English uses a proven learning method that will help you remember nearly 100% of key learning points. ICAO Aviation English will help you get top scores.
Flexible enough to fit into your training schedule You don't need to change your training schedule to take the course. ICAO Aviation English is available at anytime from anywhere you have access to a computer. You will find that the training is flexible enough to fit into your schedule – and you won't need to take time off work to attend a traditional language class. The course is also flexible enough so that you can get the training done quickly and still maintain your normal social and family life.
Competitive pricing ICAO Aviation English is affordable compared to the general courses provided by most language training schools. As it is more focused on the language functions that you need in aviation you can save a lot of time too.
Course designed to meet ICAO requirements The course content will always meet ICAO recommendations.
Build your telephony skills ICAO Aviation English Online simulates what you will experience as a pilot or controller. The course will help you become confident in handling radio calls in English. Instead of having to practice in an expensive aircraft you can practice and become proficient in a totally safe environment.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Score higher – maximise training ICAO Aviation English Online has many proven benefits.
• • • • •
It applies the best practices from the field of accelerated learning It remembers what you have learned or have not learned and customizes your review based on your individual needs It continuously adapts the learning process to your learning needs It schedules reviews and sends you review reminders It enables you to retain knowledge months after completing the course.
Prepare before you start technical training ICAO Aviation English Online can be taken before you enrol into a flight school. Completing the ICAO Aviation English Online course just prior to your technical training program will enable you to learn and practice the language skills needed to fly aircraft safely.
Improve your pronunciation You can improve your pronunciation with activities built into each skill level course. The language is first presented in text accompanied by properly spoken American or British English. You can then speak into a microphone to record and playback your own recording of the same information. These pronunciation activities help you build self-confidence when communicating in English.
ATC communication in English from Basic to Advanced You can practice listening to a variety of accents, in real ATC dialogues to build radiotelephony skills in English, just as you will in real life.
Perfect for both Commercial and General Aviation pilots Whether you are in general aviation or commercial aviation you must get the ICAO level 4 certification. Most general aviation pilots pay for all training themselves. With ICAO Aviation English Online you get the best training for a very reasonable price – specialised training for a price cheaper than a General English class.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Course Overview ICAO Aviation English Online consists of four skill levels. In each level of the course, you will learn English while also learning information that you will find important in your career such as flight safety, aviation weather, meteorology, flight physiology and medicine. Subjects include: Early Aviation History 1. Man’s First Attempt to Fly 2. The Early Days of Powered Flight 3. Charles Lindbergh’s Flights in China 4. The Flying Boat 5. The Birth of the Airbus Industrie 6. Airbus History: 1980 and Beyond
General Topics in Aviation 7. Major Parts of an Airplane 8. Weather Hazards for Airplanes 9. Accident Avoidance 10. Airbus: The Transportation Challenge 11. 21st Fighter Squadron 12. Aviation Careers
Flight Physiology for Cockpit Crews 1. Situational Awareness 2. Pilot and Crew Fatigue 3. Disorientation 4. Flight Illusions 5. Stress Management for Pilots 6. Pilot Aeromedical Certification
Interesting Aircraft 7. Extreme Aircraft 8. Star Wars Cockpit 9. Stealth Technology 10. Wing in Ground Effect Aircraft 11. Airplanes Can't Do That! 12. Ramjets and Scramjets
Special Aircraft 1. Introduction to the Helicopter 2. Helicopters: Workhorses of the Air 3. Flying by Solar Power, and No Power 4. The SR-71 Blackbird 5. Banner Towing 6. Airships
Flight Physiology 7. Hot and Cold Temperatures 8. Flying and Diving 9. Circadian Rhythm and Jet Lag 10. Cabin Air Quality of Commercial Jets 11. Air Ambulances 12. Motion Sickness
General Concepts of Aviation Weather 1. Altimetry, Air Pressure and Wind 2.. Heat Energy and Moisture 3. Stability, Instability and Clouds 4. Local and Regional Circulations 5. Global Circulation 6. Air Masses and Fronts
Aviation Meteorology 7. Thunderstorms 8. Wind Shear and Microbursts 9. Turbulence 10. Aircraft Structural Icing 11. METAR and TAF 12. Understanding Weather Charts
Each level of ICAO Aviation English Online offers over 90 hours of English practice.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE What is in each unit? Each level of the course consists of 12 units, each unit taking approximately 8-10 hours to complete. ICAO Aviation English Online also contains tests and interactive activities such as:
ICAO Aviation English Online also contains tests and interactive activities such as: • • • • • •
Listening comprehension of ATC / pilot communications Pronunciation practice Fluency drills General and technical aviation vocabulary Grammar / structure quizzes Reading Comprehension
All tests provide instant and informative feedback to help you learn more effectively. You will hear a variety of British and American accents throughout the lessons. Each unit provides an average of 800+ quiz questions. You get immediate feedback for each test after it is submitted for a grade. You need to score 80% or higher on all of the tests before taking the final exam.
Each level includes a final exam At the end of each skill level you will take a final examination, which covers the content and skill development of that level’s course. You will need to score 75% or higher on the 60minute online final exam to successfully complete each course and proceed to the next level. At the end of Level 4, you should be very well prepared to sit the ICAO English test.
Try a demo unit before you buy! You can try a demo unit of each of the 4 levels by visiting http://aviationenglish.com and joining the mailing list. After confirming your subscription you will be sent a link to the demo units.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Find out your starting level ICAO Aviation English Online targets the training needs of Pilots, Cadets and Air Traffic Controllers who need to pass the test to prove ICAO Level 4 proficiency. The first step is to find your exact starting level by taking the Aviation English Placement Test. Trainees are placed into the ICAO Aviation English Online course based upon the score earned on the Aviation English Placement Test. After taking the test you will be given a recommended starting level.
Basic Beginner High Beginner Placement Test
Intermediate Advanced
How much does a Placement Test cost? Placement Tests currently cost $125 USD. This is a 60 minute online test. You can purchase a Placement test using PayPal by visiting: http://aviationenglish.com/english-for-pilots-and-atcos/ordering-and-payment.html
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE ICAO levels explained When trainees successfully complete the 12 lessons for each course, they will achieve the following levels:
Basic – ICAO Level 2 (Lower Elementary Level) Trainees can understand, recognize and read a limited a number of common words, phrases and simple sentences used in everyday life. Trainees below this level (ICAO Level 1 PreElementary) are not able to function in English. These trainees should have formal classroom instruction.
Aviation English Online level
Ordinate
TOEFL
IELTS
Basic
20-31
400-427
3.0.
Beginner – ICAO Level 2 (Upper Elementary Level) Trainees can read and understand the basic parts of a limited, often work related topic (simple facts and main ideas). They are also able to follow some specialized vocabulary and take part in a short simple conversation. They are not able to follow or participate in a nativepaced conversation or read complex material. They can handle routine situations but cannot communicate about unexpected events.
Aviation English Online level
Ordinate
TOEFL
IELTS
Beginner
32-43
430-463
3.5
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE High Beginner – ICAO Level 3 (Lower Pre-Operational Level) Trainees can function in English in a limited way. They should be able to read and understand most of the main ideas and specialized vocabulary of simple texts. At this level, they have an increasing set of topic-specific vocabulary and can participate in slower-than native-paced discussions. Trainees are not able to participate in lengthy discussions or communicate easily on unfamiliar topics.
Aviation English Online course
Ordinate
TOEFL
IELTS
High Beginner
44-55
467-497
4.0
Intermediate– ICAO Level 3 (Upper Pre-Operational Level) Trainees can read and understand some professional English at this level. They are able to use a broader set of vocabulary words and more complex language. They can participate effectively in conversation regarding their specialized area of expertise. When confronted with unexpected topics, comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies. While grammatical errors still exist, trainees can usually make themselves understood accurately at this level.
Aviation English Online course
Ordinate
TOEFL
IELTS
Intermediate
56-67
500-520
5.0
Advanced – ICAO Level 4 (Operational Level) Trainees can listen to, read and discuss the main ideas, technical vocabulary and details in most professional material. At this level, they are able to participate in a more sophisticated or professional conversation regarding their specialized area of expertise. They can generally handle predictable and unexpected topics of communication.
Aviation English Online course
Ordinate
TOEFL
IELTS
Advanced
68-80
523+
5.5+
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE How do I know my starting level? The Aviation English Placement Test provides a diagnostic evaluation of your English language proficiency within the specific context of aviation. The Aviation English Placement Test can also be used by companies to accurately assess the English proficiency levels of employees, help identify training needs and decide which training program is appropriate for their individual needs.
Purchase a Placement Test here: Placement Tests currently cost $125 USD. This is a 60 minute online test with four sections: • • • •
Part 1 - Listening Comprehension (25 minutes) Part 2 - Grammar/Structure (10 minutes) Part 3 - Vocabulary (12 minutes) Part 4 - Reading Comprehension (12 minutes)
You can purchase a Placement test using PayPal by visiting: http://aviationenglish.com/english-for-pilots-and-atcos/ordering-and-payment.html
Is the placement test really accurate? Yes, results are consistent with other test results.
Can I take a practice test first? We have set up a complimentary Practice Test designed to reduce the stress of non-native English speakers who may be taking an online test for the first time. Each trainee will be enrolled into the Practice Test prior to the date of the Placement Test. This will allow the trainee to have the opportunity to become familiar with the online test and to practice different varieties of test questions. These questions are similar to those in the full version of the Placement Test.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE How do I read the Placement Test Report? The Placement Test generates a report for each individual or group. The following is an example of a test report.
Grammar (20)
Listening (40)
Read + Vocab (40)
Total (100) ICAO
Recommended Courses
Last
FirstName
Username
Levels
xxx
xxx
aea02406_ xxx
17
40
36
93
Advanced
5
xxx
xxx
aea02425_ xxx
18
39
33
90
Advanced
4
xxx
xxx
aea02439_ xxx
15
38
31
84
Intermediate
3
xxx
xxx
aea02468_ xxx
10
28
27
65
Intermediate
3
xxx
xxx
aea02476_ xxx
13
36
31
80
Intermediate
3
xxx
xxx
aea02485_ xxx
18
38
Intermediate
3
xxx
xxx
aea02487_ xxx
14
39
38
91
Intermediate
3
xxx
xxx
aea02495_ xxx
8
39
36
83
High Beginner
2
xxx
xxx
aea02504_ xxx
16
36
33
85
Advanced
4
Note: ICAO Document 9835, item 2.8.4 states that each person's proficiency rating level is determined by the lowest rating level assigned in any particular category. Therefore, the recommended training level is based upon the "lowest score" not the person's "total score" as shown in the chart above.
Optional Telephone Test Trainees can also take a 15 minute telephone test measures spoken language skills accurately and reliably. The features of this test are: • • •
it can be given at any time, from any location. it has Immediate, objective, reliable scoring available over the Web it only requires a land telephone for a test-taker to begin with the test
The telephone test is available for an additional $100 USD. For further details please email icao@aviationenglish.asia. ICAO Aviation English Online
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE How long will it take to reach ICAO level 4? The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the environment, intensity of study, mode of study and teacher experience and familiarity with the learning materials. A rough answer is about 100 hours between each level, although that can vary greatly. You should successfully complete the 12 lessons in your current course (including reviews and final exam) to progress to the next skill level course.
This chart illustrates the approximate training timeline of the trainee once his / her skill levels are identified through the Aviation English Placement Test.
Expected number of hours to reach ICAO level 4
Basic -‐ ICAO Level 2 Lower
Beginner -‐ ICAO Level 2 Upper
High Beginner-‐ ICAO Level 3 Lower
Intermediate -‐ ICAO Level 3 Upper
12 lessons
12 lessons
12 lessons
12 lessons
384 hours
288 hours
192 hours
96 hours
Each course of 12 lessons will take approximately 12 weeks to complete, so someone who scores ICAO Level 3 Lower on the Placement Test should expect 192 hundred hours of study, over approximately 6 months to reach ICAO Level 4.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Strategies to reach ICAO level 4 After determining your starting level you have two options.
1. Learn 100% online This is the easiest and most convenient way to improve your English. This option is recommended for individuals who do not have access to English language training at one of our partner institutions.
2. Blended classroom and Computer Based Training Blended learning has many proven advantages.
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Access to experienced Aviation English teachers - Aviation English Asia teachers are experienced ESL and aviation professionals that can use a wide variety of instructional techniques. We deliver the on-site section of the program. Where appropriate, Subject Matter Experts may provide additional training.
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Expansion of Online Content - The on-site sessions give the trainees a deeper understanding of the course content while they are developing their language skills face to face with their trainer and fellow trainees.
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Further Development of Speaking Skills - During the classroom sessions, trainees get extensive practice in the listening and speaking skills that are so important for radiotelephony. Trainees participate in a variety of activities to improve their use of ICAO phraseology and to learn how to communicate in both standard and nonstandard situations. This will allow the trainees to reach ICAO's required Operational Level 4 faster than with 100% online training.
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Controlled Setting - The controlled setting of a classroom provides the opportunity for additional testing and evaluation.
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Higher level of student motivation and engagement – classroom based learning makes the online classes more meaningful. Learners are more engaged with learning and benefit from the additional contact with an experienced aviation English teacher.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE Â Is classroom based training also available in my country? Aviation English Asia Ltd have a network of teachers available for short contracts worldwide. Classes can be arranged depending on student numbers, proximity and expected duration of a course. For more details about this option please email icao@aviationenglish.asia stating your requirements.
Options for delivery of classroom based courses Option 1: At the Basic, Beginner and High Beginner levels, courses are delivered online with the final week of each course being an onsite intensive one-week session. This intensive teacher-led session focuses on speaking skills as well as providing a review of course materials at that level. At the Intermediate level, the intensive session is two weeks of teacher-led instruction. Option 2: The courses are delivered online with an intensive two week session offered on site after the Intermediate level. The additional on-site session would strongly emphasize speaking skills in addition to reviewing course material, all in preparation for the ICAO English proficiency exam.
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE The Learning Management System The ICAO Aviation English Online LMS offers a number of administrative reports which include: • • • • • •
Trainee Retention Rate Test records Test scores Time spent following the Learning Plan Trainees who are enrolled who have not begun Trainees who have successfully completed a course
These statistics will help motivate learners and help them stick to a learning schedule.
Minimum system requirements ICAO Aviation English Online is web-based and will run on most computers. Here is a list of minimum requirements. If you are not sure whether the course will run on your computer, or you are concerned about internet connection speed please email icao@aviationenglish.asia and we will set up a speed test for you.
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CPU Windows XP SP2 - Minimum 1GHz Windows Vista - Minimum Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHZ Memory o Windows XP SP2 - Minimum 512 MB, Recommend 768 MB o Windows Vista - Minimum 1 GB, Recommend 2 GB Monitor - 1024 x 768 Head phones/speakers for listening and comprehension exercises Microphone required for pronunciation exercises Operating System o Windows XP SP2, o Windows Vista o Windows 2000, o Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Firefox 2.0 or higher o Internet Explorer 6.0 will not support the multi-media. o o
•
• • • •
•
• •
Mac OS X users can use Safari 1.3 (or higher) or Firefox 2.0 (or higher) Java version 6
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ICAO AVIATION ENGLISH ONLINE
What to do next If you are serious about an aviation career then you will find that ICAO Aviation English Online is an excellent solution for you. It’s very reasonably priced, especially when compared to the cost of traditional language classes. Learning English can take time, so we recommend starting to improve your English early, and the best time to start is right now.
Purchase Placement Tests and Courses here: Placement Tests currently cost $125 USD. • • • •
Part 1 - Listening Comprehension (25 minutes) Part 2 - Grammar/Structure (10 minutes) Part 3 - Vocabulary (12 minutes) Part 4 - Reading Comprehension (12 minutes)
ICAO Aviation English Online costs $800 USD per level • • • •
Basic Level Course - ICAO Level 2 (Lower Elementary Level) $800 Beginner Level Course - ICAO Level 2 (Upper Elementary Level) $800 High Beginner Level Course - ICAO Level 3 (Lower Pre-Operational Level) $800 Intermediate Level Course – ICAO Level 3 (Upper-Pre-Operational Level) $800
You can purchase placement tests and courses using PayPal by visiting: http://aviationenglish.com/english-for-pilots-and-atcos/ordering-and-payment.html
Please expect 2-4 days after making payment to be enrolled on your course or enrolled into the Placement Test. Similarly results usually take 24-48 hours to be analysed. If you have any further questions about the course please email icao@aviationenglish.asia and we will respond as soon as possible.
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