This course introduces teachers and trainers to concepts, approaches and knowledge of teaching practice specifically for aeronautical communication between pilots and air traffic control.
The course allows a development of skillsets for teachers with a specific focus on contextualising real-life communication of their learners through practical guidance, and interactive tasks. This enables teachers to develop their understanding of the actual communication processes taking place in the operational environment and the key role that language plays in this. Developing skills and knowledge for professional language training in such a dynamic environment is imperative and a prerequisite in helping to promote and support flight safety.
The course content and methodology follow the recommendations of ICAO Doc 9835 (Chapter 7) and Circular 323.
Download FAQs and recommended pre-course reading list.
Upon successful completion of the NILE assignment or Trinity CertPT qualification, all participants will receive the 12-unit course pack ‘Aviation English for Private Pilots’, a pack not available for publication elsewhere. Each 4-page unit is based on a domain of unexpected situations identified in ICAO Doc 9835 Appendix B and includes basic discussion, vocabulary, and grammar exercises that can be combined with recordings, listening exercises and scripts to build a full aviation English programme for pilots at PPL level.
Is this course for you?
ELT professionals who currently work in, or are considering working in, the domain of teaching English in an aviation context, or operational staff such as pilots or Air Traffic Controllers wishing to start teaching English in an aviation context
22 April - 25 June 2025
Course content
Participant’s learners would typically be either pilots or Air Traffic Controllers but can also be one of the many sub-domains related to the daily operational requirements of anyone working in aviation, such as: Ground Handling, Flight Schools, Military Operators, Maintenance and Engineering, etc.
Further Information
NILE Online courses are highly interactive and learning takes place through varied and engaging multimedia content and the collaboration between participants from different contexts. All participants work on the same unit in the same week but there is a high level of flexibility within that time period to help you fit studying around your life and work. The interaction, via forums and other collaborative tools built into the platform, helps and encourages you to share ideas, ask questions, explore concepts and build up a community.
You need a computer, a headset (with microphone) and an Internet connection. Much of the course can be done on a mobile device, but a computer is needed for certain activities and tasks.
Participants have access to NILE's extensive ELT e-library and an innovative social and cultural programme. All NILE Online courses include an element of professional language development, i.e. language related to course content and/or the classroom.
Meet a Course Tutor: Neil Bullock
Neil is an English trainer, teacher trainer and test development specialist working mainly in the domains of business and aviation English. He has 20 years of operational experience in aviation and over 18 years working in language learning and testing. He writes and presents regularly on teaching and testing issues in ESP and aviation.
He is currently General Secretary and Vice-President of the International Civil Aviation English Association, and former Joint-Coordinator for IATEFL TEASIG.
Available dates:
| Course dates | Location | Course length | |
| 22 April - 25 June 2025 | Online | 8 weeks | |
| 22 April - 25 June 2025 with Trinity CertPT | Online | 8 weeks |
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