Aviation English teaching

Question

Hello, everybody. I need your advice. I have started teaching some students aviation english. Their grammar and speaking skills are quite good. But I have not started teaching writing skills. Should I really do it or speaking is more important in this case?
Perhaps, somebody has an experience in this field and could share his/her thoughts or some web sites which I can use.

Thanks in advance!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

They have to take a written test, don't they?  I've had one student who wanted to improve his English in order to become a pilot.  Of course, practically speaking, speaking is more important, but you need to find out what kind of written challenges face your students in the future.

Parrish Danforth · Answer

I am a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor with an MA in TESOL.
There is no writing test to become a commercial pilot, the only written test is a compute- based multiple choice exam.
Composition is not part of a pilot's daily work. The only compositional writing that a pilot has to do is fill out incident reports. These are descriptions of an error, accident, near collision, or deviation from instructions. Examining incident reports is very valuable practice for student pilots, and you could create a lesson where they write their own.

Hele · Answer

Thanks, a lot Parrish Danforth. Do you know anything about the same exams for flight attendants?

If so, can you let me know about them?

Parrish Danforth · Answer

I'm glad my advice was able to be of some use. My primary thought is that teaching writing is a low priority.
But you could incorporate written work with other skills.
For example:
Have the students Study the map of JFK Airport:
http://www.ask.com/wiki/John_F._Kennedy_Airport
Ask them what runways are available, what's the field elevation, How many frequencies are there, which frequencies will they need, and what order will they tune to them. Ask them what dangers or challenges exist at this airport.
Then have them listen to this: "Air Traffic Control: JFK near miss"

I think it is clear what happened, and not too difficult to explain, so this is a good choice compared to some other incidents.
After listening and discussing enough that the students feel comfortable, I would have the students write a report of the incident, from the point of view of one of the 4 main players; The Air traffic controller in the tower, the landing pilot, the departing pilot, or the pilot on the ground who alerted ATC.

Sorry, I don't know anything about flight attendant's exams.

Hele · Answer

Thank you very much. I will try to use your suggestions in teaching my students.

Anonymous · Answer

Loved the lesson plan. I have a masters in applied linguistics and am teaching the maintenance guys from Garuda and flight attendants from AirAsia. I've met the head of the Indo airport corp. who holds the same degree. I would like to teach more pilots and ATC's. Do you know where I might apply or for a course and/or some extension studies to become qualified? (willing to relocate) Everything I google is for pilots and ATC's, not for teachers. My brother's a pilot and would we'd both like to get into this. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Aviation English teaching

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Thanks, a lot Parrish Danforth. Do you know anything about the same exams for flight attendants?

Related Questions