Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011Show full title

FCL.055 Language proficiency

(a) General. Aeroplane, helicopter, powered-lift and airship pilots required to use the radio telephone shall not exercise the privileges of their licences and ratings unless they have a language proficiency endorsement on their licence in either English or the language used for radio communications involved in the flight. The endorsement shall indicate the language, the proficiency level and the validity date.

(b) The applicant for a language proficiency endorsement shall demonstrate, in accordance with Appendix 2 to this Part, at least an operational level of language proficiency both in the use of phraseologies and plain language. To do so, the applicant shall demonstrate the ability to:

(1)

communicate effectively in voice-only and in face-to-face situations;

(2)

communicate on common and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity;

(3)

use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognise and resolve misunderstandings in a general or work-related context;

(4)

handle successfully the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events which occurs within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar; and

(5)

use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community.

(c) Except for pilots who have demonstrated language proficiency at an expert level, in accordance with Appendix 2 to this Part, the language proficiency endorsement shall be re-evaluated every:

(1)

4 years, if the level demonstrated is operational level; or

(2)

6 years, if the level demonstrated is extended level.

(d) Specific requirements for holders of an instrument rating (IR). Without prejudice to the paragraphs above, holders of an IR shall have demonstrated the ability to use the English language at a level that allows them to:

(1)

understand all the information relevant to the accomplishment of all phases of a flight, including flight preparation;

(2)

use radio telephony in all phases of flight, including emergency situations;

(3)

communicate with other crew members during all phases of flight, including flight preparation.

(e) The demonstration of language proficiency and of the use of English for IR holders shall be done through a method of assessment established by the competent authority.