English Language Skills in the Airline Industry

# Introduction to English<br>in the Airline Industry

Unit 1 · Foundations of Aviation English

<p class="sub" style="color:#b8c7da">English for Aviation Business · 3-hour lesson</p>

Note: Total class time: 180 minutes. First 120 minutes: instruction and guided practice. Final 60 minutes: assignment and self-study. Navigation: → moves along the lesson, ↓ opens the reading text or exercise, Esc shows the overview.

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## By the end of this unit you can…

1. Explain the difference between the **aviation industry** and the **airline industry**
2. Identify and use essential aviation vocabulary in context
3. Find main ideas and supporting details in an introductory aviation text
4. Recognise basic sentence structures and write clear aviation-related sentences
5. Explain why accurate English communication matters in aviation operations

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## Lesson roadmap

| Time | Focus |
|---|---|
| 0:00 – 0:10 | Warm-up: aviation jobs |
| 0:10 – 0:20 | Aviation and airline industries |
| 0:20 – 0:40 | Essential vocabulary |
| 0:40 – 0:55 | Break |
| 0:55 – 1:15 | Reading and comprehension |
| 1:15 – 1:25 | Sentence structure |
| 1:20 – 1:50 | Aviation English and communication |
| 1:50 – 2:00 | Review |
| 2:00 – 2:15 | Break |
| 2:15 – 3:00 | <span class="hl">Assignment and independent study</span> |

<p class="sub">Press ↓ on slides with a blue or orange tab to open the reading or exercise.</p>

Note: Keep the first two hours interactive. The final hour is for students to work independently or in small groups while you monitor and give feedback.

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## Start with the industry

<p class="big">What happens before, during, and after a flight?</p>

Think beyond the aircraft. Consider the people, companies, services, rules, and technology that make air transport possible.

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## Warm-up: aviation careers

Think of as many aviation-related job titles as you can.

<div class="cols3">
<div class="card"><h3>Flight operations</h3>Pilot · cabin crew · dispatcher</div>
<div class="card"><h3>Airport operations</h3>Ground staff · ramp agent · air traffic controller</div>
<div class="card"><h3>Technical and business</h3>Aircraft engineer · safety officer · airline manager</div>
</div>

**Pair discussion:** Choose one job. What are its main duties? What English skills might the person need?

Note: Ask pairs to share one job and two duties. Encourage students to explain why reading and writing are needed, not only speaking.

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## Why do reading and writing matter?

<p class="big">Aviation professionals work with information that must be understood and recorded accurately.</p>

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><b>Reading</b><br>Procedures, safety notices, schedules, manuals, regulations, reports and emails.</div>
<div class="card o"><b>Writing</b><br>Incident reports, operational updates, handover notes, emails, checklists and passenger information.</div>
</div>

**Think:** What could happen if a safety instruction or operational message is misunderstood?

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## 1. Understanding the industry

<p class="big">Aviation is the wider system. Airlines are one part of it.</p>

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<span class="tag">Industry · 20 min</span>

## What is the aviation industry?

The **aviation industry** includes the businesses, organisations, and activities connected with aircraft and air transport.

It includes commercial and non-commercial aviation, aircraft manufacturing, airport services, maintenance, regulation, research, and more.

Note: Emphasise that aviation is broader than airlines. A company does not need to sell passenger tickets to be part of the aviation industry.

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## What is the airline industry?

The **airline industry** consists of businesses that provide air transport services to passengers and/or cargo customers.

Airlines may operate:

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><h3>Scheduled flights</h3>Flights operated according to a published timetable.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Charter flights</h3>Flights arranged for a particular customer, group, or purpose.</div>
</div>

Airlines are part of the wider aviation industry.

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## Aviation industry vs. airline industry

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><h3>Aviation industry</h3>The whole ecosystem.<br><br>Aircraft manufacturers, airports, airlines, maintenance providers, regulators, training organisations, and research companies.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Airline industry</h3>A specific sector.<br><br>Companies that transport passengers and/or cargo by air.</div>
</div>

**Remember:** Every airline is part of the aviation industry, but not every aviation business is an airline.

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## Aviation vs airline

<div style="border:3px solid #1d6fa5;border-radius:48px;background:rgba(29,111,165,.07);padding:14px 24px 24px;height:420px;box-sizing:border-box">
<div style="font-weight:800;font-size:24px;color:#0e2440">AVIATION INDUSTRY <span style="font-weight:400;font-size:18px;color:#51647c">· all aviation-related business</span></div>
<div style="display:flex;gap:28px;margin-top:14px;align-items:center">
<div style="flex:0 0 400px;height:300px;box-sizing:border-box;border:3px solid #e4570f;border-radius:150px;background:rgba(228,87,15,.10);display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-align:center;padding:20px">
<div style="font-weight:800;font-size:26px;color:#e4570f">AIRLINE INDUSTRY</div>
<div style="font-size:18px;margin-top:8px;color:#0e2440">air transport for paying passengers and cargo<br>scheduled · charter</div>
</div>
<div style="flex:1;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;align-content:center">
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Aircraft manufacturers</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Airports</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Maintenance providers</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Aerospace companies</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Regulation authorities</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Training organisations</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Non-commercial flights</div>
<div style="border:2px dashed #1d6fa5;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;padding:8px 18px;font-size:18px;font-weight:600">Research</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Note: Key message: the airline industry is ONE sector inside the wider aviation industry. Ask: Is Airbus an airline? (No. It is a manufacturer, so it belongs to the aviation industry but not the airline sector.) Is Thai Airways? (Yes. It is an airline, so it is also part of aviation.)

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## Check your understanding

Which of these is part of the aviation industry but is not itself an airline?

<div class="cols">
<div class="card">A. An airline operating international passenger flights</div>
<div class="card">B. An aircraft manufacturer</div>
<div class="card">C. An airline transporting cargo</div>
<div class="card">D. An airline operating charter flights</div>
</div>

Note: Answer: B. An aircraft manufacturer is part of the wider aviation industry, but it does not provide airline transport services.

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## 2. Essential aviation vocabulary

<p class="big">Understand the word, its grammatical form, and how it is used in context.</p>

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<span class="tag">Vocabulary · Exercise 1</span>

## Key words: industry and technology

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><b>aviation</b> (n)<br>The operation or activity of flying aircraft.<br><span class="th">การบิน</span></div>
<div class="card"><b>aircraft</b> (n)<br>A vehicle designed to fly, such as an aeroplane or helicopter.<br><span class="th">อากาศยาน</span></div>
<div class="card o"><b>aerospace</b> (n/adj)<br>The industry and technology relating to flight in the atmosphere and space.<br><span class="th">การบินและอวกาศ</span></div>
<div class="card o"><b>manufacturer</b> (n)<br>A company or person that makes products.<br><span class="th">ผู้ผลิต</span></div>
</div>

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<span class="tag">Vocabulary · Exercise 1</span>

## Key words: business and operations

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><b>facilitate</b> (v)<br>To make an action or process easier.<br><span class="th">อำนวยความสะดวก</span></div>
<div class="card"><b>contributor</b> (n)<br>A person or thing that helps cause or achieve something.<br><span class="th">ผู้มีส่วนช่วย / ปัจจัยสนับสนุน</span></div>
<div class="card o"><b>encompass</b> (v)<br>To include a wide range of things.<br><span class="th">ครอบคลุม</span></div>
<div class="card o"><b>sector</b> (n)<br>A distinct part of an industry or economy.<br><span class="th">ภาคส่วน</span></div>
</div>

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<span class="tag">Vocabulary · Exercise 1</span>

## Key words: rules and services

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><b>commercial</b> (adj)<br>Related to business or intended to make money.<br><span class="th">เชิงพาณิชย์</span></div>
<div class="card o"><b>regulation</b> (n)<br>An official rule made by an authority.<br><span class="th">ข้อบังคับ / กฎระเบียบ</span></div>
</div>

**Word family:** regulate (v) · regulation (n) · regulatory (adj)

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## Use the words in context

| Word | Aviation example |
|---|---|
| aviation | Aviation connects people and markets. |
| aircraft | The aircraft is undergoing inspection. |
| facilitate | Airport services facilitate passenger movement. |
| contributor | Tourism is a contributor to economic growth. |
| encompass | Aviation encompasses many different sectors. |
| manufacturer | The manufacturer produces aircraft components. |
| sector | Airlines are one sector of aviation. |
| commercial | The airport handles commercial flights. |
| aerospace | Aerospace companies develop flight technology. |
| regulation | Airlines must comply with safety regulations. |

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<span class="tag">Activity · 10 min</span>

## Vocabulary practice

Work in pairs. Complete the sentences using words from Exercise 1. Change the word form when necessary.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercise 1 sentences</div>

Note: Suggested answers: 1 sector; 2 Aircraft; 3 facilitate; 4 commercial; 5 aviation; 6 regulations; 7 encompasses; 8 aerospace; 9 contributor; 10 manufacturer. Accept contextually correct forms. The original worksheet had some awkward wording; these sentences are lightly edited.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 1 · Vocabulary</span>

## Complete the sentences

<div class="box">aerospace · aviation · commercial · contributor · encompass · facilitate · manufacturer · regulation(s) · sector · aircraft</div>

<div class="scroll" style="max-height:440px">
<ol>
<li>The aviation ______ has two main flight categories: civil and military.</li>
<li>______ manufacturing is important to the aviation industry.</li>
<li>The new ramp will ______ the movement of wheelchair users.</li>
<li>Pilots need a valid ______ pilot’s licence.</li>
<li>The ______ industry is constantly developing new technology.</li>
<li>Employees must follow strict ______ and security measures.</li>
<li>Working at an airport ______ many different roles and responsibilities.</li>
<li>Several ______ companies are exploring space tourism technology.</li>
<li>Aviation is a significant ______ to global economic activity.</li>
<li>Airbus is a major aircraft ______.</li>
</ol>
</div>

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## 3. Reading: the aviation industry

<p class="big">Read for the main idea first. Then look for supporting details.</p>

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<span class="tag">Reading · 25 min</span>

## Reading strategy: main idea and details

**Main idea** = the most important point of a paragraph or text.

**Supporting details** = facts, examples, explanations, and reasons that develop the main idea.

When reading, ask:

1. What is this paragraph mainly about?
2. Which sentence or detail supports that idea?
3. Are examples being used to explain a general point?

<div class="down">▼ Read the passage (3 parts)</div>

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<span class="tag">Reading text · Part 1</span>

## What is the aviation industry?

<div class="scroll">
<p>The term <i>aviation</i> is commonly used to describe the operation of aircraft for air transportation. Aircraft include aeroplanes and helicopters. Modern aviation also includes unmanned aircraft, such as drones. The aviation industry can therefore be described as the wide range of businesses and activities connected with aircraft and flight.</p>
<h3>Why is the aviation industry important?</h3>
<p>The modern aviation industry connects continents, countries, and cultures. It facilitates travel to distant places and supports international business. Aviation also contributes to economic development. Tourism supports local economies, while air transport allows goods to move quickly between markets.</p>
</div>

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<span class="tag">Reading text · Part 2</span>

## Employment and the airline industry

<div class="scroll">
<p>The aviation industry directly provides millions of jobs around the world. These jobs include pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, aircraft engineers, airport employees, and many others. Aviation also supports employment in related industries, especially travel and tourism.</p>
<h3>What is the airline industry?</h3>
<p>The airline industry encompasses businesses called airlines. These companies provide air transport services to paying customers and business partners. They transport passengers and cargo, usually using aeroplanes. Airlines may operate scheduled flights or charter services.</p>
</div>

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<span class="tag">Reading text · Part 3</span>

## Airline industry vs. aviation industry

<div class="scroll">
<p>The terms <i>airline industry</i> and <i>aviation industry</i> are sometimes used as if they mean the same thing, but they have different meanings.</p>
<p>The airline industry refers to companies that provide air transport services. The aviation industry includes all aviation-related businesses and activities. Therefore, the airline industry is one sector of the wider aviation industry.</p>
<p>Other aviation businesses include aircraft manufacturers, companies that provide non-commercial flights, aerospace companies, aviation regulators, maintenance organisations, and research institutions.</p>
</div>

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## Reading: the big picture

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><h3>Main idea</h3>Aviation is a broad industry that supports air transport and many related activities.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Key distinction</h3>The airline industry is one part of the wider aviation industry.</div>
</div>

**Supporting details:** employment, tourism, international trade, aircraft manufacturing, regulation, maintenance, and research.

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<span class="tag">Exercise · Reading comprehension</span>

## Check the passage

Read the text again. Decide whether each statement is **True (T)** or **False (F)**. Correct the false statements.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercises 3 and 4</div>

Note: Suggested answers for Exercise 3: 1 T; 2 T; 3 T; 4 F (aircraft manufacturers are part of the aviation industry, not airlines); 5 T.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 3</span>

## True or false?

1. The aviation industry includes activities involving aeroplanes and helicopters.
2. One important role of aviation is connecting different continents, countries, and cultures.
3. Aviation supports employment in the travel and tourism industry.
4. Aircraft manufacturers are airlines.
5. The airline industry is one sector of the aviation industry.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 4</span>

## Vocabulary from the reading

Choose ten unfamiliar words from the passage. Find their meanings and record the part of speech.

| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ……………… | ……………… | ……………… |
| 2. ……………… | ……………… | ……………… |
| 3. ……………… | ……………… | ……………… |
| 4. ……………… | ……………… | ……………… |
| 5. ……………… | ……………… | ……………… |
| 6–10 | Continue in your notebook | |

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## 4. Grammar: sentence structure

<p class="big">Clear aviation communication begins with clear sentences.</p>

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<span class="tag">Grammar · 20 min</span>

## Every sentence needs a verb

A sentence normally gives a complete idea. A basic sentence has a **subject** and a **verb**. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about. The verb tells us what the subject does or what happens to it.

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><h3>Subject</h3>Who or what the sentence is about.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Verb</h3>The action or state.</div>
</div>

*The aircraft landed.*  ·  *Passengers are boarding.*  ·  *The airport operates 24 hours a day.*

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## Parts of a sentence

| Part | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Who/what the sentence is about | **The pilot** called the tower. |
| Verb | Action or state | The pilot **called** the tower. |
| Object | Receives the action | The pilot called **the tower**. |
| Complement | Completes the meaning | The cabin is **comfortable**. |
| Adverbial | Adds information about time, place, manner, etc. | The aircraft landed **safely**. |

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<span class="tag">Guided practice · 10 min</span>

## Find the subject and verb

Work individually first. Underline the **subject** once and the **verb** twice. Then compare answers with a partner.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercise 6</div>

Note: Suggested answers: 1 Subject: The airline; verb: operates. 2 Subject: A pilot who flies international routes; main verb: must communicate. 3 Subject: Aircraft engineers; verb: inspect. 4 Main subject: the airport; main verb: will resume. 5 Subject: Cabin crew members; verb: assist. 6 Subject: The new airport terminal; verb: is expected. 7 Main subject: the passengers; verb: remained. 8 Subject: Air traffic controllers; verbs: monitor, provide. 9 Main subject: pilots; verb: follow. 10 Subjects: Airlines / airport operators; verbs: must comply / must maintain.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 6 · Sentence study</span>

## Identify the subject and verb

<div class="scroll">
<ol>
<li>The airline operates daily flights to regional destinations.</li>
<li>A pilot who flies international routes must communicate clearly.</li>
<li>Aircraft engineers inspect the aircraft before it returns to service.</li>
<li>When the weather improves, the airport will resume normal operations.</li>
<li>Cabin crew members assist passengers during boarding.</li>
<li>The new airport terminal is expected to open next year.</li>
<li>Although the flight was delayed, the passengers remained calm.</li>
<li>Air traffic controllers monitor aircraft movements and provide instructions.</li>
<li>When an emergency occurs, pilots follow established procedures.</li>
<li>Airlines must comply with safety regulations, and airport operators must maintain secure facilities.</li>
</ol>
</div>

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<span class="tag">Exercise 7 · Sentence building</span>

## Unscramble the words

Rearrange the words to make grammatically correct sentences.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercise 7</div>

Note: Possible answers: 1 Why do you want to be an in-flight attendant? 2 There are different English language proficiency levels. 3 Safety is a number one priority in aviation. 4 Effective communication is the key to a successful relationship. 5 ICAO established English language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers. 6 Aviation English is known globally for its phonetic alphabet and specific phraseology. 7 Boeing is a large company within the aviation manufacturing sector. 8 Airbus is a European aircraft manufacturer that produces aircraft for civilian and military markets. 9 Aircraft manufacturing companies are crucial to the aviation industry. 10 Military aviation refers to the use of aircraft for military purposes.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 7</span>

## Put the words in order

<div class="scroll">
  <ol>
    <li>attendant / an / be / you / do / Why / want / to / in-flight / ?</li>
    <li>different / are / language / There / proficiency / levels / English / .</li>
    <li>priority / in / aviation / Safety / number / one / is / a / .</li>
    <li>successful / key / communication / The / to / relationship / effective / a / is / .</li>
    <li>requirements / ICAO / for / established / English / pilots / proficiency / language / and / air traffic controllers / .</li>
    <li>phonetic / Aviation English / its / for / globally / is / alphabet / known / and / specific / phraseology / .</li>
    <li>sector / Boeing / aviation / a / within / large / is / the / manufacturing / company / .</li>
    <li>markets / Airbus / aircraft / European / produces / a / that / manufacturer / is / aircraft / for / civilian / and / military / .</li>
    <li>industry / crucial / manufacturing / the / are / companies / aviation / to / Aircraft / .</li>
    <li>purposes / Military aviation / aircraft / refers / the / use / of / to / for / military / .</li>
  </ol>
</div>

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## Make your sentences more precise

Compare:

<div class="cols">
<div class="card o"><h3>Unclear</h3>The plane had a problem and it was bad.</div>
<div class="card"><h3>Clear</h3>The aircraft experienced a technical problem, so the flight was delayed.</div>
</div>

Choose specific vocabulary. Include the important information. Avoid vague words when a precise term is available.

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## 5. English and aviation safety

<p class="big">Clear communication is an operational requirement, not just a language skill.</p>

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<span class="tag">Aviation English · 15 min</span>

## Why is English important in aviation?

English is widely used for international airport and airline communication.

Airport staff and flight attendants need to communicate clearly with passengers, especially when providing assistance, giving directions, and responding to unexpected situations.

<div class="cols">
<div class="card"><h3>Standard phraseology</h3>Uses agreed expressions for routine and many non-routine communications.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Plain language</h3>Helps communicate information when standard phraseology is not sufficient.</div>
</div>

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## What can go wrong?

Miscommunication can lead to:

<div class="cols3">
<div class="card"><h3>Incorrect understanding</h3>A message is interpreted differently from its intended meaning.</div>
<div class="card"><h3>Delayed response</h3>Important information is not understood quickly enough.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Operational risk</h3>Decisions may be made using incomplete or incorrect information.</div>
</div>

Clear communication supports safety, coordination, and efficiency.

---

<span class="tag">ICAO · Rating scale</span>

## ICAO English language proficiency

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers involved in international radiotelephony communications.

The ICAO scale has six levels:

1. Pre-elementary
2. Elementary
3. Pre-operational
4. **Operational**
5. Extended
6. Expert

<span class="hl">Level 4</span> is the minimum required operational level for relevant radiotelephony communication.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 8 · Vocabulary in context</span>

## Complete the passage

Use the words in the box to complete the reading about English proficiency in aviation.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercise 8 (2 parts)</div>

Note: Answer key: 1 communicate; 2 awareness; 3 barriers; 4 proficiency; 5 qualified; 6 precisely; 7 monitor; 8 assess; 9 comprehension; 10 obstacle. The source passage has some awkward phrasing; this version is edited for clarity.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 8 · Part 1</span>

## The importance of English language proficiency

<div class="box">precisely · barriers · awareness · proficiency · qualified · communicate</div>

<div class="scroll" style="max-height:400px">
<p>For pilots and air traffic controllers to 1. __________ clearly and efficiently around the world, a common aviation language is essential. Both parties work closely together to exchange crucial information about aircraft, flights, crew members, passengers, and other external factors that contribute to situational 2. __________ and help ensure safe and efficient operations.</p>
<p>Since miscommunication and language 3. __________ are human errors that could seriously affect flight safety and put everyone on board at risk, ICAO established English language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers involved in international operations.</p>
<p>Although English was selected as the language of international aviation at the Chicago Convention in 1944, ICAO first began addressing language 4. __________ requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers in September 1998. In 2008, English language proficiency testing became part of the requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers to be fully 5. __________ for international operations.</p>
<p>Aviation English is known worldwide for its phonetic alphabet, specific terminology, standard phraseology, and familiar expressions that we may have heard in films or during flights. However, it is much more complex than that. Although much of the language is technical, a functional command of English is necessary to communicate essential messages as clearly, quickly, 6. __________, and naturally as possible, particularly during emergencies.</p>
</div>

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<div class="box">comprehension · obstacle · monitor · assess</div>

## Complete the passage

<div class="scroll" style="max-height:400px">
<p>Another advantage of having a standard language for pilots and air traffic controllers is that pilots flying in the same airspace can 7. __________ air traffic transmissions and maintain situational awareness.</p>
<p>There are different language levels used to 8. __________ English language proficiency. Although the ICAO language rating scale ranges from 1 to 6, Level 4 is the minimum requirement for international operations. Levels 5 and 6 represent extended and expert proficiency, respectively.</p>
<p>Regardless of the proficiency level, testing assesses listening 9. __________, and speaking skills, in addition to pronunciation, sentence structure, vocabulary, and fluency.</p>
<p>The validity of the test depends on the proficiency level achieved. Native English speakers and those who demonstrate expert-level proficiency (Level 6) do not need to be reassessed. Those at Level 4 must retake the test every three years, while those at Level 5 must retake it every five years.</p>
<p>Safety is the number one priority in aviation, and effective communication plays an important role in achieving it. Even slight misunderstandings between pilots and air traffic controllers could change the meaning of a message and create an 10. __________ that could lead to serious consequences.</p>
<p>Introducing language proficiency requirements helps ensure an adequate knowledge of English and provides an additional layer of safety by reducing the possibility of errors and misinterpretation. Pilots and air traffic controllers undergo intensive training and must meet a series of requirements before, during, and throughout their careers. Demonstrating language proficiency is one of these requirements.</p>
<p>We know that effective communication is the key to a successful relationship, and this is particularly true in aviation.</p>
</div>

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## Reading: non-routine events

A pilot may be able to use standard phraseology for a non-routine event, but sometimes plain language is necessary.

A controller who usually handles domestic flights may have limited experience communicating in English with international pilots. A pilot should therefore use clear, simple, and precise language.

**Key lesson:** Do not use unnecessary words or several different expressions when one clear expression will communicate the message.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 9 · Reading comprehension</span>

## Answer the questions

Read the English proficiency passage and answer in complete sentences.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercise 9</div>

Note: Suggested answers: 1 It allows pilots and air traffic controllers to exchange information internationally. 2 It could cause misunderstanding, delayed action, operational errors, and safety risks. 3 ICAO. 4 Pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and interactions. 5 Level 4.

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<span class="tag">Exercise 9</span>

## Check your understanding

1. Why is English important in the aviation industry?
2. What could happen if there is miscommunication during flight operations?
3. Which international organisation established English language proficiency requirements?
4. What language skills and areas does the assessment include?
5. What is the minimum ICAO operational proficiency level for relevant radiotelephony communication?

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<span class="tag">Grammar</span>

## Adverbs of frequency

Adverbs of frequency describe how often something happens.

<div class="cols">
<table>
<tr><td>100%</td><td>always</td></tr>
<tr><td>90%</td><td>usually</td></tr>
<tr><td>80%</td><td>normally / generally</td></tr>
<tr><td>70%</td><td>often</td></tr>
<tr><td>50%</td><td>sometimes</td></tr>
<tr><td>30%</td><td>occasionally</td></tr>
<tr><td>10%</td><td>seldom</td></tr>
<tr><td>5%</td><td>hardly ever / rarely</td></tr>
<tr><td>0%</td><td>never</td></tr>
</table>
<div>
<p><i>Pilots always follow safety procedures.</i></p>
<p><i>Flights are sometimes delayed by bad weather.</i></p>
</div>
</div>

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## Where do adverbs of frequency go?

**Before the main verb**

*Ground staff usually check passenger documents.*

**After the verb be**

*The airport is always busy.*

**Between an auxiliary and the main verb**

*The airline has never cancelled this route.*

They can also appear at the beginning or end of some sentences: *Sometimes, flights are delayed.*

---

<span class="tag">Exercise 10 · Grammar in context</span>

## Complete the passage

Choose the most suitable adverb or phrase from the word bank. Pay attention to meaning and sentence position.

<div class="down ex">▼ Exercise 10</div>

Note: One consistent key that uses every word in the box once: 1 Occasionally / standard / sometimes / plain; 2 non-standard / unnecessary; 3 normally / rarely; 4 often / usually / local; 5 always / never. Some blanks accept more than one adverb, so discuss why. Item 5 is awkward in this version ("will not ___ be alone"), so you may want to reword it.

----

<span class="tag">Exercise 10</span>

## Safety sense: dealing with non-routine events

<div class="box">always · often · plain · usually · sometimes · standard · occasionally · unnecessary · rarely · local · non-standard · never · normally</div>

<div class="scroll" style="max-height:400px">
<ol>
<li>______ a pilot may be able to use ______ phraseology for a non-routine event, but he or she will ______ have to use ______ English.</li>
<li>In this event, the pilot had to use ______ phraseology but tried to assist the controller by avoiding ______ English words and using clear expressions.</li>
<li>The radio transmission was good, but the controller could not understand the problem because the controller ______ dealt with domestic flights and ______ spoke to a foreign pilot.</li>
<li>This can ______ be a problem for controllers because they get little practice with spoken English and ______ speak to local pilots in the ______ language.</li>
<li>A non-English-speaking pilot will not ______ be alone in this situation, and help will ______ be available.</li>
</ol>
</div>

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## 6. Review and connect the ideas

<p class="big">Vocabulary + reading + grammar + communication</p>

---

## Three ideas to remember

<div class="cols3">
<div class="card"><h3>Industry</h3>Aviation is the wider industry. Airlines are one sector within it.</div>
<div class="card"><h3>Language</h3>Accurate vocabulary and clear sentence structure make information easier to understand.</div>
<div class="card o"><h3>Safety</h3>Effective communication supports safe and efficient aviation operations.</div>
</div>

---

## Quick knowledge check

Answer without looking at your notes.

1. How is the aviation industry different from the airline industry?
2. What does *facilitate* mean?
3. Why does a sentence need  subject and verb?
4. What is the minimum ICAO operational language proficiency level?
5. Name two possible consequences of miscommunication in aviation.

Note: Suggested answers: 1 Aviation includes all aviation-related businesses and activities; airlines provide air transport. 2 To make something easier. 3 A sentence needs a subject and a verb because they express who or what the sentence is about and what that person or thing does, is, or experiences. 4 Level 4. 5 Examples: misunderstanding, delayed response, operational error, or safety risk.

---

# Independent assignment

<p class="big">60 minutes · individual work with instructor support</p>

The final hour is for applying the unit’s vocabulary, reading, grammar, and communication concepts.

---

<span class="tag">Assignment · 30 min</span>

## Assignment: aviation industry profile

**Task:** Choose one organisation or business in the aviation industry. It can be an airline, airport, aircraft manufacturer, maintenance provider, regulator, or aviation training organisation.

Prepare a short written profile that explains what the organisation does and how it contributes to aviation.

Your work must demonstrate accurate vocabulary, clear sentence structure, and an understanding of the difference between aviation and airline businesses.

<div class="down ex">▼ Requirements and tasks</div>

----

## Suggested structure

**Introduction**

Introduce the organisation. State whether it belongs to the airline industry or another aviation sector.

**Main activities**

Describe its services, products, or responsibilities.

**Contribution**

Explain its contribution to aviation, employment, travel, trade, or safety.

**English communication**

Explain where reading, writing, and clear spoken English are important in its operations.

----

## Assignment checklist

Before submitting, check that:

- ☐ The organisation and its industry sector are identified correctly
- ☐ At least three activities or responsibilities are explained


- ☐ The contribution to the aviation industry is explained
- ☐ The importance of English communication is discussed
- ☐ Spelling, punctuation, and grammar have been checked

---

## Assignment review

<span class="tag">Assignment review · 30 min</span>

When you're done your assignment bring it up to me to review it and provide feedback.

---

## Exit ticket

When you're finished bring me your writing so I can read it and provide feedback.

I’d also like you to tell me about something you enjoy in English, such as a movie, TV show, or music you like.

<p class="sub" style="color:#b8c7da">Unit 1 complete · English for Aviation Business</p>

---

## Self-study task: Pop Corn

Watch the movie "Catch Me If You Can" in English with Thai subtitles.

[Catch Me If You Can](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-7pyIxz8Qg)

If you can't find it somewhere online you can watch a different movie of your choosing as long as it is in English.

---

## Credits

The slides in this presentation are based on the course material created by **Parleda Sampathong**.