Learning from the past: Airline accidents and the ICAO language proficiency program

In response to multiple airline accidents involving pilot-ATC communication breakdowns, ICAO implemented a worldwide language proficiency program in 2011. The official guide to the program, Document 9835, cites four accidents in which insufficient English proficiency of pilots or air traffic controllers was a contributing factor. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relevance of the four accidents to current airline operations. A survey was distributed to UK-based pilots using BALPA online discussion forums. The survey explored: respondents’ awareness of the accidents cited by ICAO; sources of information; and the role played by English proficiency in the accidents. This paper presents the results of the survey and identifies areas for further research