Assessing English Language Proficiency in International Aviation: Issues of Reliability, Validity, and Aviation Safety

English language communication between pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) is the most important factor in international aviation safety. However, there is little to no research on the awareness of pilots and ATCs concerning the importance of language communication to aviation safety. Also, reliability and validity of English language proficiency testing in international aviation have been neglected. This book shows room for improvement in training pilots and ATCs concerning factors critical to aviation safety. Also, it offers a way to improve the reliability and validity of teaching/testing in general, especially in international aviation. In addition, the potential role of undiscovered communication disorders in pilots and ATCs is discussed. The book shows that better communication ensures better safety, and more reliable and valid testing and training. It should be useful to the international aviation industry in improving flight safety and it should help researchers improve the reliability and validity of teaching/testing. It will also interest professionals in speech and language sciences who will want to think more about communication disorders in high risk industries.

Ruixia Yan, Ph.D.: Studied Applied Language and Speech Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Currently an Assistant Professor at Speech-Language Pathology Department, Misericordia University, PA.