Investigating The Effectiveness of The Aviation English Test Through Subjective Perception

• Main Authors: Yu Yueh, 岳瑀
• Other Authors: Shu-Chiang Lin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/u35ej8

碩士 === 國立臺灣科技大學 === 工業管理系 === 104 === Aviation Safety is one of the most government-concerned worldwide issues. According to Ritter’s research in 1996, successful communication is very crucial to the aviation industry in maintaining air safety. Moreover, previous studies show that there are numerous aviation incidents and accidents originated from miscommunication, which has been identified as a major contributing factor in fatal airplane crashes. After several serious miscommunication aviation incidents due to insufficient English knowledge, ICAO realized that proficiency in English communication is necessary. As a result, ICAO decided to raise the language proficiency requirements (LPR) for the radiotelephone communication provisions, and establish a set of LPRs in 2003. In 2008, pilots and controllers in ICAO member states were required to pass the aviation proficiency test in order to fly internationally or direct traffic at international airports. Such requirement aims to increase English proficiency and decrease accident rates. Although Taiwan is not a member of ICAO, Taiwan follows its rules accordingly. Nevertheless, few studies related to aviation English test in Taiwan have been reported since Taiwan implemented the language requirements. Our research aimed to assess the effectiveness of the aviation English test in Taiwan. Qualitative methods were used to collect and analyze data. Through one-on-one in-depth interview, the subjective perception of pilots and controllers for the aviation English test was recorded. The data were then transcribed into written narratives, which were then analyzed via Template Analysis Style and were then fitted into Nvivo program for coding, filtering, and eliciting information about the subjects’ perceived effectiveness of the aviation English test. Analyzed results indicated that the effectiveness of aviation English test was insufficient, largely due to its lack of consistency with the actual radiotelephone communication, lack of differentiation, and inconsistency of the test grading system. This study recommended introducing and integrating training programs for aviation English test in order to improve test effectiveness.