Obstacles Non-Native English Speakers Experience in Aviation

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are challenges associated with the comprehension of aviation content in the English language for international students in flight training. The researcher conducted a study by interviewing four international students enrolled in flight training at the Bowling Green State University Aviation Studies program utilizing a qualitative and quantitative survey questionnaire. Results revealed that there is a correlation between an international student’s Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) score and the challenges encountered with effective communication. The discussion and subsequent findings revealed connections between ILR scores and perceived student challenges. Additional connections between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Language Proficiency Requirements and the challenges identified by the international students were confirmed. Limitations included the researcher’s emphasis on qualitative rather than quantitative data affecting perceived objectivity and the small sample size which contributed to the limited responses and representation of demographics. Meaningful connections were revealed by examining the relationship between an international student’s ILR score and the resulting challenges to facilitate effective communication skills