Nobody Seems to Speak English Here Today: Enhancing Assessment and Training

In 2003 the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) strengthened the provisions that English be
made available for international radiotelephony communication. ICAO also developed standards for
English proficiency for international pilots and air traffic controllers. However, these standards are
applied variably from country to country and in no country are native speakers of English tested for
their ability to employ what has been termed "interactional competence" when using English for
intercultural communication. Problems with this situation are reviewed and suggestions made for
improving English assessment and training.