Certificates Can Be Revoked If English Proficiency Can Not Be Established

The FAA has revised its advisory circular (AC) providing guidance for airman applicants, training organizations, designated examiners, and aviation safety inspectors (ASI) in determining English language skills currently required for airman certification.

According to the new document, there are distinct regulatory English language eligibility requirements in part 61 for pilots and flight and ground instructors; part 63 for Flight Engineers and flight navigators; and part 65 for air traffic control (ATC) tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, mechanics, repairmen, and parachute riggers. In addition, the standards found in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 1 require that certain Airman Certificates have an endorsement for English language proficiency in order for those airmen to act as required crew of an aircraft internationally.

Eligibility requirements contained in part 61 require pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. If for medical reasons, an applicant is unable to meet these proficiency requirements, the FAA may place the appropriate limitation on the certificate.

Similar requirements are also in place for flight engineers, navigators, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, and mechanics and repairmen, light sport repairmen, and parachute riggers.

Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may exercise the privileges of an Airman Certificate issued under part 61, 63, or 65 unless that person meets the English language proficiency requirements of those parts. If a person holding an Airman Certificate issued under these parts does not meet the English language proficiency requirements, the Administrator will take action to suspend, revoke, or reissue that person’s Airman Certificate. Designated examiners and ASIs share the responsibility for ensuring applicants meet the English language requirements. Before accepting the application and beginning the practical test for certification, ASIs and/or designated examiners must evaluate the applicant’s English proficiency.

The document states that "It is important that all applicants for Airman Certificates meet the basic eligibility requirements and demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language (see paragraph 3b(1) of this AC for subtle differences in Flight Engineer requirements). Each applicant must demonstrate an ability to mentally grasp critical information, which often must be read and understood while conducting a variety of aviation operations. Each applicant must also be able to understand and clearly communicate in language used in radiotelephony communications."

FMI: Advisory Circular