Language Proficiency Survey for Air Traffic Controllers

While ICAO language proficiency requirements have been in place since 2008, everyday communication challenges often go unreported. This anonymous survey gathers frontline controllers' feedback to identify safety risks and support upcoming ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements Implementation Task Force (LPRI TF) work in developing practical communication guidelines.

Completion time: 7–10 minutes

Privacy: Please do not include any personal or identifying information in your answers.

Share: Feel free to forward this link to your fellow controllers.

Beginning of Survey:

Section 1: Background & Role Information

1. What is your primary operational role?

2. What separation standard do you use ?

3. What type of traffic does your ATC unit serve?

4. I am based in this region:

5. Please write the 4 letter ICAO code of your Airport or ACC Unit

6. My ATC unit serves:

Section 2: Language Background & Proficiency

7. Is English your first language?

8. If you work in a country where English is NOT the official native language, what language is used for ATC communications in your unit?

9. What is your current ICAO English proficiency level?"

Section 3: Communication Issues & Operational Realities

10. How often do you hear non-standard phraseology or experience communication issues during routine ATC operations?

11. What are the most common communication issues you experience? (select ALL that apply)

12. Based on question 11, which airline operators (if any) do you most frequently experience communication issues with? (List up to 5)

13. In what situation does this typically occur?

14. Is there a specific phrase used at your unit, in your country, or globally that is often misunderstood by pilots or controllers?

If Yes, please state the phrase, where it is used, and what misunderstanding it causes:

15. Is there a specific procedure used at your unit, in your country, or globally that is often misunderstood by pilots or controllers?

If Yes, please state the procedure, where it is used, and what misunderstanding it causes:

16. Have you experienced misunderstandings or errors related to CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications)?

If yes, please provide example

Section 4: Communication Habits & Safety Reporting

17. During periods of high workload, how often do you switch from standard phraseology to plain English?

18. Does switching back and forth between your native language and English (code switching) lower the quality or accuracy of your communication?

19. Have communication issues ever caused an increase in your workload or created an operational safety risk?

20. How often do you submit a safety report when non-standard phraseology or language difficulties affect communication?

Section 5: Training & Future Improvements

21. Have you received training in ICAO standard phraseology within the last 12 months?

22. How often is your use of standard phraseology formally checked or evaluated?

23. If you are a native English speaker OR hold Level 5 / Level 6 proficiency, have you received training on how to adapt your speech when communicating with Level 4 speakers? (e.g., slowing down, using simpler sentences, avoiding slang, paraphrasing clearly)

24. Do you feel the language and communication training you received is sufficient to maintain operational safety?

25. In your opinion, radio communication would become safer if: (Select ALL that apply)

THANK YOU for completing this survey! Your feedback helps improve aviation safety and communication standards globally. 🙏✈️💫