Pilots, Crew Flying Internationally Must Demonstrate Use Of Language

ANN reminds all pilots, flight crew members and control tower operators who operate internationally that the International Civil Aviation Organization deadline to demonstrate English proficiency is fast approaching. Effective March 5, ICAO will require those certificate holders to show proof they are skilled in using the English language.

Specifically, the requirement applies to all private, commercial, and airline transport pilots with powered aircraft ratings; flight engineers and flight navigators; and control tower operators.

The ability to read, speak, write, and understand English is already a US regulatory eligibility requirement; the FAA Registry began issuing all new certificates with this endorsement on February 11, 2008. The US has notified ICAO that it filed a difference that will extend the US compliance date until March 5, 2009, in order to provide sufficient time for all affected US airman certificate holders to comply with the ICAO Language Proficiency airman certificate endorsement requirements.

Certificates that are ordered as regular replacement certificates will include the endorsement. Pilots may order a replacement certificate on-line, or by mail, and there is a $2 fee for a replacement airmen certificate.

Airmen who request temporary authority or verification of their airman certificate will not have the English proficiency endorsement until the replacement certificate has been requested and the $2 fee paid.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.icao.int