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Aviation English — Free ICAO Phraseology & Pilot-ATC Communication Training

Termify is a 100% free app for learning aviation English. Master ICAO Doc 9432 phraseology, FAA PCG terminology and pilot-ATC radiotelephony. Prepare for ICAO Level 4, 5 and 6 English proficiency exams and EASA FCL.055 language requirements — all at no cost.

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Definition

What Is Aviation English?

Aviation English is the standardized English language used for radiotelephony communication between pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC). Governed by ICAO Doc 9432 (Manual of Radiotelephony) and the FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (PCG), aviation English ensures safety-critical clarity in every phase of flight — from departure clearance to final approach.

ICAO Assembly Resolution A38-8 mandates that all pilots and air traffic controllers engaged in international operations demonstrate English language proficiency at ICAO Level 4 (Operational) or above. This requirement was introduced after several fatal accidents were attributed to communication failures caused by language barriers, including the 1977 Tenerife disaster and the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision.

Aviation English differs from general English in several critical ways. It uses standardized phraseology where specific words carry precise operational meanings. The word "roger" means "I have received all of your last transmission." The word "wilco" means "I have received your message, understand it, and will comply." These terms are not interchangeable and must be used exactly as defined by ICAO standards. Misuse of aviation phraseology can lead to misunderstandings, runway incursions and mid-air conflicts.

Termify teaches aviation English 100% free with native pronunciation recordings, IPA transcriptions, real pilot-ATC dialogue scenarios and career quizzes. Every term is sourced from official ICAO and FAA documents.

Vocabulary Coverage

Key Aviation English Topics Covered in Termify

Termify covers 20+ critical aviation English topic areas sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and standard radiotelephony procedures. Each topic includes definitions, pronunciation, contextual usage and quiz questions.

Standard Radiotelephony Phraseology

Core ICAO phrases that every pilot and controller must know. These terms have precise operational meanings that differ from everyday English usage.

Roger Wilco Affirm Negative Say Again Standby Correction Read Back

Emergency Communication Procedures

Distress and urgency phraseology as defined by ICAO Annex 10. Correct use of emergency calls can be the difference between life and death in aviation.

Mayday Pan-Pan Squawk 7700 Squawk 7600 Squawk 7500 Emergency Descent

ATC Clearances & Instructions

Phraseology for receiving, reading back and complying with ATC clearances during all phases of flight from pushback to parking.

Clearance Holding Pattern Go-Around Taxi Instructions Lineup and Wait Cleared for Takeoff

Weather & Aeronautical Information

Decoding weather reports and aeronautical notices is essential for flight safety. Termify teaches the vocabulary needed to interpret these critical documents.

ATIS METAR TAF NOTAM SIGMET SPECI

Navigation & Approach Procedures

Terminology for instrument approaches, airways, waypoints and navigation aids used in IFR operations worldwide.

ILS Approach VOR Waypoint Flight Level Airway SID STAR RNP

Airport Operations & Ground Communication

Vocabulary for ground movement, apron operations and airport facilities that ground handlers, pilots and controllers use daily.

Pushback Apron Taxiway Runway Threshold Ground Control Tower Ramp
Proficiency Scale

ICAO English Proficiency Levels Explained

The ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale ranges from Level 1 (Pre-elementary) to Level 6 (Expert). Level 4 (Operational) is the minimum standard required for pilots and controllers engaged in international operations. Termify helps professionals reach and maintain Level 4, 5 and 6 proficiency — 100% free.

ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale — Levels 1 through 6 with testing validity periods
Level Name Description Testing Validity
Level 1 Pre-elementary Below operational standard. Cannot communicate effectively in aviation contexts. Not permitted to fly internationally
Level 2 Elementary Limited to isolated words and memorized phrases. Cannot handle non-routine situations. Not permitted to fly internationally
Level 3 Pre-operational Can communicate on familiar topics but struggles with complex or unexpected situations. Not permitted to fly internationally
Level 4 Operational Minimum for international operations. Can handle routine and some non-routine situations. May need clarification on uncommon topics. Valid for 3 years
Level 5 Extended Advanced proficiency. Can handle complex situations, unfamiliar topics and dialectal variations with ease. Valid for 6 years
Level 6 Expert Native or near-native proficiency. Can communicate effectively in all situations. No operational language limitations. Lifetime validity (no retesting)

Termify prepares pilots and ATC personnel for ICAO Level 4, 5 and 6 through vocabulary training aligned with the six ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale descriptors: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions.

Target Audience

Who Needs Aviation English Training?

Aviation English is not just for pilots. Every professional involved in flight operations must understand standardized aviation terminology to ensure safety and compliance.

Pilots & First Officers

Commercial airline pilots, private pilots, helicopter pilots and military pilots transitioning to civilian aviation all require ICAO Level 4 or above English proficiency for international operations. Termify teaches the exact phraseology used in departure clearances, en-route communication, approach procedures and emergency declarations.

Air Traffic Controllers

ATC personnel at tower, approach and area control centers must communicate with pilots from every country using standardized English. Termify covers controller-specific phraseology including sequencing instructions, traffic advisories, holding clearances and weather broadcasts.

Cabin Crew & Flight Attendants

Flight attendants must understand cockpit-cabin interphone communication, safety announcement terminology and emergency evacuation commands. Termify teaches cabin crew English vocabulary for standard operating procedures, passenger management and emergency coordination with the flight deck.

Ground Handlers & Dispatchers

Ground handling staff, ramp agents and flight dispatchers communicate with pilots, ATC and operations centers using aviation-specific English. Termify covers ground operations terminology including pushback procedures, de-icing communication, fuel requests and load sheet vocabulary.

Aviation Maintenance Technicians

AMT professionals must read and write technical English in maintenance logs, MEL entries, AD compliance documents and aircraft manuals. Termify teaches the technical English vocabulary used in AMM, IPC and troubleshooting documentation.

Aviation Students & Cadets

Student pilots, ATC trainees and aviation university students preparing for ICAO English proficiency exams for the first time. Termify provides a structured, free learning path from basic aviation vocabulary to advanced radiotelephony and exam-ready proficiency.

Certification Prep

Aviation English Exam Preparation with Termify

Termify prepares aviation professionals for international English proficiency exams. All exam preparation features are 100% free — no subscription, no hidden fees.

ICAO Level 4 / 5 / 6

The ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale tests six descriptors: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. Termify covers vocabulary and pronunciation for all six areas with spaced repetition and career quizzes.

Pronunciation Drills IPA Transcriptions Dialogue Scenarios

EASA FCL.055

EASA FCL.055 requires European pilots to demonstrate ICAO Level 4+ English proficiency. Termify aligns with the EASA framework by covering the same six language descriptors through targeted vocabulary, native pronunciation and scenario-based practice.

EASA Aligned 6 Descriptors PDF Certificates

FAA English Proficiency

The FAA requires English proficiency for pilots operating in U.S. airspace. Termify covers FAA PCG terminology, American ATC phraseology and U.S.-specific procedures that differ from ICAO standards.

FAA PCG US ATC Phraseology Native Audio
Dialogue Practice

Real-World Pilot-ATC Communication Scenarios

Termify includes authentic dialogue scenarios that simulate real radiotelephony exchanges. Each scenario uses ICAO standard phraseology with native pronunciation recordings.

Departure Clearance

Practice requesting and reading back ATC departure clearances including SID assignments, initial altitude, squawk codes and departure frequency. Learn the correct format: "[Callsign], cleared to [destination] via [SID], climb and maintain [altitude], squawk [code]."

Clearance Delivery Read Back

Weather Advisory

Practice receiving and acknowledging pilot reports (PIREP), SIGMET updates and weather deviations. Learn phraseology for requesting weather information: "[Callsign], request latest weather for [airport]."

PIREP Weather Deviation

Emergency Declaration

Practice the critical phraseology for declaring emergencies. The mayday call format: "Mayday, mayday, mayday, [callsign], [nature of emergency], [intentions], [souls on board], [fuel remaining]." Correct use of distress calls saves lives.

Mayday Pan-Pan Squawk 7700

Approach & Landing

Practice approach clearances, ILS intercept instructions, visual approach requests and go-around procedures. Learn the standard phraseology: "[Callsign], cleared ILS approach runway [number]."

ILS Approach Go-Around Missed Approach
Why Termify

Why Choose Termify for Aviation English?

Termify is the only 100% free app that provides ICAO-sourced aviation English training with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions and certification exam preparation.

100% Free Forever

No subscription, no trial period, no hidden fees. All aviation English content, pronunciation recordings, quizzes and certificates are completely free. No credit card required.

ICAO-Sourced Content

Every aviation term is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432 (Manual of Radiotelephony), FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary and official aeronautical publications. No guesswork, no generic English.

Native Pronunciation & IPA

Every term includes professional native-speaker audio recordings and IPA transcriptions. Critical for aviation English where correct pronunciation directly impacts flight safety.

Pilot-ATC Dialogues

Real-world radiotelephony scenarios: departure clearances, approach instructions, emergency declarations, weather advisories. Practice authentic communication exchanges used in actual operations.

Career Quizzes & Certificates

Aviation-specific quizzes that simulate ICAO exam conditions. Earn shareable PDF certificates to demonstrate your aviation English proficiency to employers and CAAs worldwide.

Offline Access

Study aviation English without internet. Essential for pilots on layovers, crew in transit, ATC trainees in remote locations and students without constant connectivity. All content available offline after download.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation English

What is aviation English and why is it important for pilots?

Aviation English is the standardized English language used for radiotelephony communication between pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC). Defined by ICAO Doc 9432 and the FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary, aviation English ensures safety-critical clarity in the cockpit, on the frequency and on the ground. All pilots operating internationally must demonstrate ICAO English proficiency at Level 4 (Operational) or above. Termify teaches aviation English 100% free with native pronunciation, IPA transcriptions and real pilot-ATC dialogue scenarios.

How can I prepare for ICAO Level 4 English proficiency for free?

Termify is a 100% free app that prepares pilots and ATCs for ICAO Level 4, 5 and 6 English proficiency exams. It covers ICAO Doc 9432 phraseology, standard radiotelephony phrases, emergency communication procedures and aviation vocabulary. The app includes native pronunciation recordings, IPA transcriptions and career quizzes that simulate real exam conditions. No subscription or credit card required.

What ICAO phraseology does Termify cover?

Termify covers ICAO Doc 9432 standard phraseology including: roger, wilco, affirm, negative, say again, standby, mayday, pan-pan, squawk, clearance, holding pattern, go-around, taxi instructions, takeoff and landing phraseology. It also covers FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary terms, ATIS decoding, METAR and TAF reading, SID/STAR procedures, ILS approach terminology and NOTAM/SIGMET interpretation vocabulary.

Is Termify suitable for EASA FCL.055 English language proficiency?

Yes. Termify's aviation English module aligns with EASA FCL.055 language proficiency requirements. EASA FCL.055 requires pilots to demonstrate English proficiency in pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. Termify addresses all six ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale descriptors through vocabulary training, native pronunciation recordings and pilot-ATC dialogue practice. Termify is 100% free.

What is the difference between ICAO Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 English?

ICAO Level 4 (Operational) is the minimum required for international flights. Pilots must handle routine and some non-routine situations. Level 5 (Extended) indicates advanced proficiency with the ability to handle complex situations and unfamiliar topics. Level 6 (Expert) represents native-level proficiency with no testing validity limit. Levels 1–3 are below operational standards. Termify helps professionals progress from Level 4 to Level 6 with targeted vocabulary, pronunciation drills and scenario-based practice.

Can cabin crew and ground handlers use Termify for aviation English?

Yes. Termify's aviation English module is designed for all aviation professionals including pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, ground handlers, flight dispatchers and aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). The vocabulary covers cockpit communication, cabin safety announcements, ground operations terminology and aircraft systems language relevant to each role.

Does Termify include real pilot-ATC communication examples?

Yes. Termify includes real-world pilot-ATC dialogue scenarios covering departure clearances, en-route communication, approach instructions, emergency declarations (mayday and pan-pan), weather advisories and holding patterns. Each dialogue uses standard ICAO phraseology with native pronunciation recordings so learners can practice authentic radiotelephony exchanges.

Download Termify Free — Start Learning Aviation English Today

100% free to download and use. Master ICAO Doc 9432 phraseology, pilot-ATC radiotelephony and aviation vocabulary. Prepare for ICAO Level 4, 5, 6 and EASA FCL.055 — no credit card required.

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