On 2007-06-28 12:00:26 -0700, Dallas said:


Scary.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWDEIvjwaFU

International pilots on international flights are required under ICAO
to either maintain level 4 proficiency in English or to understand the
language spoken on the ground. Level 4 proficiency is defined by ICAO
as being able to understand language well enough to communicate
promptly with only very rare errors. Level 4 proficiency means you have
to understand the meanings of different pronunciation, intonation, and
rhythm. You have to be able to understand and communicate about unusual
situations. Arguably, asking someone if they are cleared to the ramp is
neither unusual nor unreasonable under these rules. If the pilot does
not understand an instruction, he is supposed to be able to know
English well enough to ask for clarification. There is no way that this
pilot could be considered to speak English at Operational Level 4.

ICAO Rating Scale for Operational Level*4
A speaker will be rated at Operational Level*4 if the following
criteria are met:
Pronunciation: (Assumes a dialect and/or accent intelligible to the
aeronautical community.)
Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation are influenced by the
first language or regional variation but only sometimes interfere with
ease of understanding.

Structu
(Relevant grammatical structures and sentence patterns are determined
by language functions appropriate to the task.)
Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are used creatively
and are usually well controlled. Errors may occur, particularly in
unusual or unexpected circumstances, but rarely interfere with meaning.

Vocabulary:
Vocabulary range and accuracy are usually sufficient to communicate
effectively on common, concrete, and work-related topics. Can often
paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary in unusual or
unexpected circumstances.

Fluency:
Produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo. There may be
occasional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed or formulaic
speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent effective
communication. Can make limited use of discourse markers or connectors.
Fillers are not distracting.

Comprehension:
Comprehension is mostly accurate on common, concrete, and work-related
topics when the accent or variety used is sufficiently intelligible for
an international community of users. When the speaker is confronted
with a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of
events, comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies.

Interactions:
Responses are usually immediate, appropriate, and informative.
Initiates and maintains exchanges even when dealing with an unexpected
turn of events. Deals adequately with apparent misunderstandings by
checking, confirming, or clarifying.
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor