LINKING YOU TO THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL AVIATION ENGLISH PROGRAM In today’s demanding international aviation environment, pilots and airline personnel must be proficient in English. In addition, from March 2008, all ICAO contracting states will need to comply with ICAO English Language Proficiency Requirements for pilots. Designed for pilots and airline personnel involved in international operations and whose first language is not English, Comunicatus offers a program in aviation-based English to raise participants’ language proficiency to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Operational Level 4 and beyond.  OBJECTIVE The overall objective is for participants to develop communication skills that will enable them to effectively handle voice-only and face-to-face situations in routine work situations or unexpected turn of events that may occur within the context of their work situation. DELIVERY Intensive English language training specifically for the aviation environment is conducted in closed-focus-group format in groups of 4 to 6 participants at CQFA's (Centre québécois de formation aéronautique) training center which is involved in supporting the training needs of aeronautical industry in Canada. The center is located 1 km from Montreal's Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport and consists of modern teaching and computer facilities, as well as onsite airline jet simulator. The specialized training in English language aviation vocabulary, terminology and phraseology has as its focus the development of an increased understanding of the functional communication skills required for the safe and effective management of international flights. FUNCTIONALITY To assist in the process of rapid learning, the program presents real-world materials and situations, relevant to pilots and customized to their needs. Emphasis is placed on speaking and listening skills, with practice in the aviation context utilizing videos, audio, and readings that are drawn from recognized sources such as Airbus, ICAO, and FAA. For example, training for functionality in the English for Aviation elements include Radio Telephony (R/T) practice utilizing authentic audio training facilities such as ATIS broadcasts, audio examples of aircraft emergencies, incident reports relating to non-routine radio phraseology and unusual aviation-related requests and incidents. CONTENT The courses take a communicative approach to language learning and the content reflects the requirements of the six areas covered by the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale. Pronunciation Structure Vocabulary Stress Basic grammar Paraphrasing Rhythm Sentence patterns Succinct and assertive language Intonation Tense forms Abbreviations and acronyms Enunciation Language functions Key lexical domains Fluency Comprehension Interactions Linking words and phrases Understanding through masking Ability to pass on information Speed of communication Distinguishing similar sounding words/numbers Ability to respond to unfamiliar situations Moving from familiar to spontaneous situations Varieties of speech, accents Checking, clarifying, confirming information                             To maximize language acquisition, homestay accomodation with English-speaking host families, incorporating a single room and two meals a day can be arranged. Airport pick-up is also an option.