Job Discussion Forums

[Hayleyjoann]

Hello,

I have a CELTA and have been teaching English for the past two years. I'm interested in teaching Aviation English and I'm unsure how to go about doing this. Is there a certificate I need to get in order to do this? If so, where do i go about taking courses? Thank you for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any help you can share!

Best Regards,
Hayley

[naturegirl321]

I don't know of a cert to help you, though I'm sure experience in Aviation woudl help you out. Do you ahve that?

[Glenski]

Actually, this question has already been asked and answered on at least one other forum. Please do a search to find it. In the meantime, just where did you plan to teach? Aviation English is a form of ESP, and you will see that it has a very limited clientele. With Japan's crowded teaching market, I would advise widening one's scope if that's where you were headed.

[spiral78]

My spouse is a non-native English speaking air traffic controller. I've been around people in a range of positions in the aviation field in Europe and Canada for more than a decade now, as most of our friends and acquaintances are in the business in some way or other.

I know people who teach Aviation English, and they all have extensive backgrounds in aviation. The language of aviation is very large, complex, and specific. Without a background, I don't think you'd have much chance - it's not something that a 30-day cert course would address sufficiently.

I also know teachers who work with atc staff and pilots and other aviation workers on general English skills, without having an aviation background, but I don't think it's that common (not sure) and it isn't considered a niche or ESP job, and pays at a regular rate.

[Hayleyjoann]

Hello,

Thank you for the replies. I do have aviation experience and trained as a pilot for three years. I was more interested in Europe, not Japan or any other Asian countries. I'll be sure to research he other aviation thread on this form.

Thanks for your time!

[spiral78]

It's not easy for a US citizen to get a work visa for most of Western Europe. If you head to the European forums below, you can get a better idea about this.

[sharter]

Google a book called 'Air Speak'. (Could be one word, I used it a while ago).

[HLJHLJ]

Airspeak is radiotelephony phraseology rather than aviation English. In Europe at least RTP is usually taught in flight schools rather than by English teachers. Terence Gerighty published a series of AE books, English for Aviation, English for Cabin Crew, etc (published by Oxford). Macmillan publish one too, I think it is just called Aviation English, though IMHO Gerighty's books are a lot better.

However, generally speaking people working in aviation mainly take regular English classes, sometimes followed by a short ESP aviation English course. If they are going for ICAO 4+ it's primarily just a general English test. It does have an aviation slant, so there is some extra vocab, etc they need, but other than that it's nothing special.

Depending on the country there is scope for RTP training as well. (I am setting a course up here at the moment). But it's already well covered in Western Europe.

Western Europe will be problematic for you for a number of reasons. First and probably foremost is the visa. Second, being a native speaker is not so romanticised in Europe and carries no special advantage in aviation English, so it doesn't give you any real leverage. Finally, USA RT has such a poor reputation in Europe that you will be battling that stereotype as well.

I would imagine things would be a lot easier in Eastern Europe or the 'new' European countries.

[Hayleyjoann]

Thank you so much for that reply, it answers a lot of my questions and is very helpful. I have dual citizenship and have both an American and English passport, so getting a Visa will not be difficult for me. I'll certainly keep an eye out for any interesting opportunities now that I have a bit more information.

Again, thank you for the helpful information!

[HLJHLJ]

With the visa issue out of the way, there are more doors open for you. If you have your heart set on Western Europe look at getting a UK RT licence. There's a theory test and a practical exam. There are a few JAA licenced schools in US, mainly around Florida, and any of them should be able to help you with it. It will considerably increase your credibility in RT.

Or, if you are still involved in practical aviation it might be worth going the whole hog and getting your JAA PPL, especially if you want to fly in Europe. Assuming you already have your FAA licence, the conversion is pretty straightforward, though not cheap. You would then get the RT licence as part of that.

I like my stand alone RT licence though, it's prettier that the UK PPL licence and it's nice to have something concrete to show for it, rather than just a note on a licence.

[Sadebugo]

[aviator1x1]

Hello Sir,

Just some quick questions:

Is DLI's San Antonio's campus recruiting English instructors through this company?

Trofholz Technologies, Inc.

I say their job post and I was just wondering if DLI is contracting now and they are not hiring directly.

If so, do you know anything about them?

As for me, I am a pilot flying business jets and at the same time, I am working on my MA English / TESL. I plan to make a career change within a year or two and I am just gathering intel.

If DLI is in need for EFL instructors with an aviation background, I have over twenty years of experience in this field and I would like to know more about such a position. At the same time I am looking for other EFL opportunities unrelated to aviation.

Thanks.