NILE | Teaching English for Aviation

This course introduces teachers and trainers to concepts, approaches and knowledge of teaching practice specifically for aeronautical communication between pilots and air traffic control.

The course allows a development of skillsets for teachers with a specific focus on contextualising real-life communication of their learners through practical guidance, and interactive tasks. This enables teachers to develop their understanding of the actual communication processes taking place in the operational environment and the key role that language plays in this. Developing skills and knowledge for professional language training in such a dynamic environment is imperative and a prerequisite in helping to promote and support flight safety.

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The course content and methodology follow the recommendations of ICAO Doc 9835 (Chapter 7) and Circular 323.

Download FAQs and recommended pre-course reading list.

Upon successful completion of the NILE assignment or Trinity CertPT qualification, all participants will receive the 12-unit course pack ‘Aviation English for Private Pilots’, a pack not available for publication elsewhere. Each 4-page unit is based on a domain of unexpected situations identified in ICAO Doc 9835 Appendix B and includes basic discussion, vocabulary, and grammar exercises that can be combined with recordings, listening exercises and scripts to build a full aviation English programme for pilots at PPL level.

Is this course for you?

Location: Online

Experience:
ELT professionals who currently work in, or are considering working in, the domain of teaching English in an aviation context

Language Level: B2 or higher

Course dates:
8 April - 12 June 2024
16 September - 20 November 2024

Certification:
NILE Certificate
Option for Trinity CertTP

Course Length: 8 weeks

Course fees:
Course fee £495
Trinity CertPT qualification (optional): £325

Minimum age: 18

Max class size: 18

Tutor-led and highly interactive

Live and asynchronous eLearning platforms

Specialist ELT eLibrary

Accredited by AQUEDUTO

Course content

Real-life communication of learners

Domain specific language – functions & references

Communicative competence in speaking & listening

The multiple skills in language proficiency

Context & task-based communication learning

CPD – developing domain and linguistic knowledge

Interplay of phraseologies and plain language

Discourse analysis of real-life communication

The role and use of the ICAO Rating Scale

Aviation domain communication

Working with authentic materials

Adapting materials from general to specific purpose

Needs analysis for learners

Curriculum design

Assessment and monitoring

Participant’s learners would typically be either pilots or Air Traffic Controllers but can also be one of the many sub-domains related to the daily operational requirements of anyone working in aviation, such as: Ground Handling, Flight Schools, Military Operators, Maintenance and engineering, etc.

Download course description

Further Information

NILE Online courses are highly interactive and learning takes place through varied and engaging multimedia content and the collaboration between participants from different contexts. All participants work on the same unit in the same week but there is a high level of flexibility within that time period to help you fit studying around your life and work. The interaction via forums and the other powerful digital tools built into the platform help and encourage you to share ideas, ask questions, explore concepts and build up a community.

You need a computer, a headset (with microphone) and an Internet connection. Much of the course can be done on a mobile device, but a computer is needed for certain activities and tasks.

All participants have access to NILE’s extensive ELT e-library and an innovative social and cultural programme.

Meet a Course Tutor: Neil Bullock

Neil Bullock - NILE

Neil is an English trainer, teacher trainer and test development specialist working mainly in the domains of business and aviation English. He has 20 years of operational experience in aviation and over 18 years working in language learning and testing. He writes and presents regularly on teaching and testing issues in ESP and aviation.

He is currently General Secretary and Vice-President of the International Civil Aviation English Association, and former joint-Coordinator for IATEFL TEASIG.