Job Discussion Forums

[Justin Trullinger]

A couple of thoughts- Some teachers like to throw around "general English in an aviation context," and simillar terms.

The reality I think they're trying to describe is, in Ecuador, the following:

English training for pilots and ATCs has, in the past, focused on memorization of a phraseology manual. This is quite an impressive feat, but generally useless where speaking and listening is concerned.

Phraseology, the semi-standardized used in aviation radiotelephony, is necessary. But it isn't about knowing the phraseology, it's about being able to use it AND general English skills and strategies to communicate in radiotelephonic communication.

Aviation professionals who aren't also trained language teachers, in my experience, tend to make a pigs ear of the whole thing by focusing on learning the terms and phraseology, but not providing nearly enough practice to lead to genuine language use.

English teachers without any aviation knowledge tend to go the other way, practicing general English without focusing enough on the specific uses of English that come up for pilots and ATCs.

I'm an English teacher- no aviation specific training, but a lot of experience in ESP. It's really like any English for Specific Purposes exercise. You need to know how to teach English but you also need to know the specifics of what your students need. I don't feel disadvantaged alongside teachers who formerly worked in aviation- but then, I've put in a lot of hours in towers, cockpits, and with headphones and recordings of real radiotelephony when I was putting together the programs I've worked on.

Teachers who know English teaching but not aviation can't do it.

Teachers who know aviation but not English teaching can't do it either.

If anything, I find aviation professionals who "turn teacher" to have a harder time, because many of them seem to think that their aviation knowledge is enough, so they never learn to teach.

You have to be able to do both.

Best,
Justin

[dialogger]

Looks like Berlitz has the IATA angle sewn up.
See this link:

http://www.iata.org/training/courses/aviation_english.htm

[leez]

[davidde]

Sinko,
I was wondering about the balance between an aviation and a pure ESL background for Aviation English. I've taught for many years(not English) in the aviation filed as a flight and ground instructor as well at the local community college.

I am looking at Asia and would love to combine my love for communicating and aviation.

I applied for a job yesterday for teaching Aviation English. Even though the IACO reqired dates have passed, there are always new pilots entering the work force.

Would love any info you can provide!

Gotta love the smell of jet fuel...

Thanks,
Dave

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Re-posted from locked thread:

davidde

Joined: 06 May 2010
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:52 pm Post subject: Jobs today teaching Aviation English Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report Post
This is an older thread, but wanted to hear from some members currently teaching Aviation English. I've 15+ years teaching aviation, and additional years teaching other courses. I would love to combine the English with years of flying and instructing.

I understand the comments about needing to be able to teach English, and i know pilots and what is needed in commuications with ATC to provide a safe platform. I am attempting to find where that balance between aviation and English. Any insights would be appriciated

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[Justin Trullinger]

Hey Dave,

My recommendation- you have a great profile to get into aviation English. It's a pretty small niche market, though- once you get in, you're likely to stay in and do well.

BUt...getting in is hard.

I would recommend contacting a LOT of places where aviation English is taught, and asking about the profile they look for.

When I was supervising Aviation English training in Latin America, we would have been quite interested in you, but would have recommended that, prior to applying, you did a short initial English teaching qualification, such as a 4 week intensive TESOL certificate.

Like you, I have teaching experience in areas besides languages. Only in language teaching is the medium of instruction also the subject of instruction. It presents special problems, and you'll be happy to have prepared to deal with them.


Best,
Justin

[davidde]

Thanks Justin,

I have a month long TEFL couse lined up in China. The prices are so much lower for the room and board that I thought a month in country would add to my basic cultural knowledge and save some bucks.

I've been googling Aviation English as well as visiting different boards on the subject and very few results show up. Do you know of any boards, companies etc that you would recommend. or some places to start?

Feel free to email or PM me,

Thanks,
Dave