Plain Aviation English – Qualitative and Quantitative Interpretation

Abstract

The article deals with the still topical problem of plain aviation English. This problem has been highlighted by ICAO in its ‘Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements’ (Doc 9835). According to this ‘Manual’, each pilot and air traffic controller are required to have a good ranked command of not only standardized radiotelephony phraseologies which remains dominant but also of plain English intended to be used in the cases which are not covered by the phraseologies. As far as the authors are aware, the concept of plain aviation English has remained mainly declarative so far. The article under consideration is aimed to make up qualitatively quantitatively for this lack. To master plain aviation English, along with the phraseologies, means in fact to acquire natural language competency.