This guide will focus on the importance of clear communication, information about the proficiency test, and practice questions to help you ace the test in the quickest way possible. Read below to learn more!
Language is a key barrier that can hamper a candidate’s ability to not just operate but also communicate with personnel in aviation. Communication with other pilots, as well as the crew on the ground, can make all the difference during routine and emergencies, which is why all pilots are expected to be proficient in the English language – the default choice for communication in aviation around the world!
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, all candidates must be proficient in the English language and take an English language proficiency test also known as "TEA" (Test of English for Aviation).
This guide will focus on the importance of clear communication, information about the proficiency test, and practice questions to help you ace the test in the quickest way possible. Read below to learn more!
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION
Clear communication is more than just about speaking clearly, it is also about conveying information in a concise and meaningful manner. The communication between different aircraft and air traffic control has a direct impact on not just operations but also safety.
For example, ATC personnel can communicate the designation, airport information, clearance, departure, and runway conditions within just one sentence or 15 to 18 words.
The proficiency test has multiple uses as it establishes whether the pilot is ready to take on further communication courses. Once you become proficient and understand the terms and lingo, you can go on to pursue other important courses like radio training. In fact, a pilot cannot fly an aircraft without a valid Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL).
This certification ensures that the pilot is well-versed in the English language and understands the lingo and various jargon used across aviation operations.
During a flight, pilots converse in a very particular manner. Pilot communication involves a set of phrases and terms that may mean something different in an aviation context as compared to a regular everyday situation.
This is why learning about these terms and phrases is a key part of becoming a capable aviator!
The proficiency test may seem daunting, especially for someone whose native language isn’t English, however, with the right research and rigorous study, the exams are not at all difficult to clear. Candidates only require the right study material along with practice questions to help them get accustomed to the theory test and any trick questions that may come their way.
Continue reading to learn more about the proficiency test and how you can excel in it on your first try.
AVIATION ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST: PRACTICE QUESTIONS
TEA tests are performed in a closed room with a certified examiner and the candidate. These practice questions are designed to help you learn how the proficiency test is presented, the questions that you can expect, and how to spot trick questions. To be thorough, we have divided the questions into multiple categories which can help pilots understand the various sections of the test.
Please note that the TEA and FTROL tests are linked but are different in how they are presented. TEA tests are straightforward and don’t require a lot of technical knowledge. These tests are designed to assess whether a candidate understands basic communication in aviation in the English language. Meanwhile, a FTROL test can be technical and involve several technical phrases.
Here are some of the best practice questions designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in aviation-related scenarios.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION
Communication is a two-way street where pilots need to listen as much as they talk. Listening provides the pilot with the ability to understand commands and instructions. Listening skills also determine how the pilot performs during emergencies since the pilot will need to convey basic information and then remain calm and listen to the information provided by the ground crew for success.
Listening comprehensively for TEA involves listening to sample recordings and then the examiner asking the candidates about what they understood from the recordings.
General Scenarios
The examiner may begin the test by asking for an introduction of the candidate and their interest in aviation. The examiner may then begin by providing general scenarios and asking questions related to them. For example, the examiner may ask about general communication by the pilot during an in-flight emergency.
The examiner may also play pre-recorded samples of in-flight or on-ground situations that may arise in daily operations and ask the candidate about how they interpret these scenarios.
ATC Clearance
ATC instructions are important and since ATC personnel communicate using very specific and “coded” language, it is important that candidates can replicate ATC communication which highlights both how much the pilot understands the lingo and their attentiveness and listening skills.
Some questions might ask you to listen to a phrase and repeat it while remembering the information provided to you in the sentence. For example, listen to the following clearance and try to repeat it exactly how it was delivered to you:
"Speedbird 45A, cleared to Heathrow via TIMBA 1D departure, climb to flight level 70, squawk 3124."
Question: What is being communicated in the recording and what is the assigned squawk code?
Weather Report
Weather-related information is also regularly provided by ground crew and pilots must always be attentive and listen to important developments in weather conditions for a smooth and safe flight.
For example, candidates might be asked to listen to a weather briefing and report to the examiner whether the weather conditions are right for a VFR flight and highlight any weather incidents that may make it difficult to fly.
SPEAKING
Speaking is equally important and allows pilots to convey valuable information in the most concise way possible. Through clear and effective speaking, pilots can relay information during emergencies or out-of-routine flight scenarios.
Emergency Response
During this section of the test, pilots can be given various scenarios and be tasked to provide appropriate communication to assess how much they understand and can communicate.
For example, imagine you are a pilot and notice a fire warning in the cargo hold. Contact ATC to declare an emergency and request immediate landing clearance.
An example response can be in the form of the following:
"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, London Control, this is Speedbird 123. We have a fire warning in the cargo hold. Request immediate descent and landing clearance at Heathrow."
Readback Accuracy
Candidates may also be required to read back certain communication to assess the accuracy of how much they understood the communication and ask the questions prompted by the communication.
For example, you may be asked to read back and explain the following communication by the pilot:
"We need help, we have lost all power to engine." Or “we have a problem with a passenger, we need to get the passenger off the plane quickly.”
PHRASEOLOGY
Phrases are the norm in aviation and since pilots and ATCs are required to communicate precisely, they must talk in concise phrases for clarity and brevity.
Requesting Weather Update
Pilots might be tasked to request a weather update and be tasked with relaying the information request in the best way possible.
For example, when asked how you would request the current weather conditions at Manchester Airport from ATC? You could respond with:
“Manchester Tower, this is EZY123, request the latest weather information for Manchester Airport.”
Position Report
In the same way, you may also be asked to communicate your position when flying. For example, during the test, you may be asked to report your position while cruising over the English Channel at flight level 350. The examiner may ask the candidate to include the current heading and speed.
READING AND INTERPRETATION
Pilots are also assessed on how much they can understand written language and how well they can interpret the information provided to them in writing.
Question: During what hours is the runway unavailable?
VOCABULARY
Aviation vocabulary is different from typical vernacular and can be full of short phrases, special coded words, and jargon.
Matching Terms
For example, to test vocabulary, candidates may be tasked to match the following aviation terms with their definitions:
- Squawk
- Glide Slope
- Threshold
- ATIS
Definitions:
a. The coded radar transponder signal used for identification.
b. The final approach aid indicating descent path.
c. The start of the usable runway.
d. Automatic terminal information service providing weather and operational data.
Emergency Vocabulary
Similarly, pilots may also be tested on emergency vocabulary to assess how they perform during high-stakes and pressure situations. For example, the candidate may be asked what the term "Pan Pan" indicates, and how is it different from "Mayday"?
The questions above form the basis of the proficiency test and cover all the aspects of the written and verbal assessment. Acing it requires quite a lot of practice and study. However, when you get the hang of it, it will become second nature which is exactly what the CAA expects from its pilots.
THE COMMUNICATIONS THEORY SYLLABUS
The tests are standardised and designed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This allows for continuity in the standard of the exam and fairness when it comes to the type of questions that are asked.
The syllabus is based on the standard guides provided by the CAA and EASA, however, since Brexit, clearing the exam via the CAA does not automatically grant EASA approval. In this case, the candidate must apply for a Part-FCL rating which allows them to fly EASA-approved aircraft.
HOW LONG ARE YOUR RESULTS VALID?
The proficiency tests are typically conducted in person where the candidate and a certified examiner are present in the room. The result is valid for 18 months. This is the time in which you are required to take all nine of your theory exams and pass them with at least 75%.
Please note that after your first exam, you will have 24 months to take the necessary skills tests, following which you will finally be eligible to apply for a licence. We recommend that you don’t take a long break between the exam and the skills test and get everything done as quickly as possible to save time and effort – but if financials are an issue, then you may space out the tests to avoid hefty upfront costs.
WHAT IS THE EXAM COST AND STRUCTURE
While the exam can be administered on paper, you can also opt to take the test online via Zoom. It is marked by a computer and the results are available almost immediately. It consists of a series of 12 questions, and you are required to get at least 9 out of these questions right so that you can be given a passing grade.
The TEA exam can cost 140 – 200£, which is the standard rate set by the CAA. Sherburn provides its members with the ability to take the test through the club. In addition to this, the club also offers a dedicated FRTOL course for those who are hoping to get their radio telephony licence as well. Please note that to qualify for the FRTOL, the applicant must have already passed the nine required exams for the PPL.
Since the exams are administered by the CAA, applicants must register through the official website to be eligible. The CAA goes through each application individually, and once you have been approved, you can take the test through Sherburn Aero Club.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FAIL?
If you are unable to pass the exam, you will be allowed to retake the exam a total of four times.
Failing to pass the test four times in a row will get you barred from taking the exam for the next three months. After this, you can apply for the test once again and retake it.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers both private and commercial licences.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn also offers pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward. You are required to take medical exams to prove you are fit enough to take to the skies when applying for a licence, and the facility at Sherburn allows you to start your aviation journey on the right foot.
Our in-house AME, Dr Mark Bellamy, is rated to perform EASA Class 2 and LAPL. He also holds a fixed-wing PPL. Appointments are available every Monday and Tuesday, as well as on occasional Saturdays.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us on 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the PPL exams and flight training at Sherburn Aero Club.
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