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English

English for air traffic controllers

English is the working language in the air, and it is tested already in selection. This is what the requirements look like.

The requirement in the rules

Under the EU rules for air traffic controllers, neither controllers nor student controllers may exercise their privileges without a valid language proficiency endorsement in English. The minimum is the operational level, level 4. The air navigation service provider may require level 5, with the approval of the authority.

How long each level is valid

  • Level 4: three years
  • Level 5: six years
  • Level 6: nine years

English in selection

  • The FEAST I English test, ELICIT, measures listening and comprehension. Spoken English is not tested in FEAST.
  • At LFV in Sweden the tests are in English and include an English knowledge test.
  • Aviation English is part of the training at Entry Point North.