The ICAO Rated Speech Samples Training Aid (RSSTA), developed by the International Civil Aviation English Association (ICAEA), is intended to elucidate acceptable and unacceptable levels of English proficiency for communication between pilots and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), as per ICAO standards.

This open resource provides concrete examples of performance across ICAO levels 2-6 and functions as a reliable reference tool for users seeking consistency in rating practices worldwide.

With contributions from 75 raters representing 23 countries, the RSSTA encompasses over 210 samples across various tasks, offering a comprehensive view of aviation English assessment. The RSSTA aims to promote rating standardisation among different raters and test providers, supporting ICAO's endeavours to enhance proficiency test standards.

Accessible through online streaming or direct download, this resource serves as a valuable aid for raters, examiners, and aviation professionals seeking to improve their English proficiency in the context of aviation communication.

Background

ICAO Level 3 Samples

Chinese Pilot

In this task, the candidate describes a picture and then responds to discussion prompts presented by the interlocutor.

P     G     V     F     C     I

3     3     3     3     3     3

Japanese Pilot

In this task, the candidate is given a card and narrates a story based on a series of images.

P     G     V     F     C     I

3     3     3     3     NR     3

Russian ATC

In this task, the candidate describes a picture and then responds to discussion prompts presented by the interlocutor.

P     G     V     F     C     I

3     3     3     3     3     3

ICAO Level 4 Samples

Arabian ATC

In this task, the candidate hears a series of pilot and air traffic control radio transmissions, and explains what he thinks is happening after each transmission.

Hungarian ATC

In this task, the candidate describes a picture and then responds to discussion prompts presented by the interlocutor.

Greek Pilot

This is a face-to-face discussion task. The interlocutor asks the candidate a series of work-related discussion questions.

P     G     V     F     C     I

4     4     4     4     4     4

P     G     V     F     C     I

4     4     4     4     4     4

P     G     V     F     C     I

4     4     5     4     5     5

ICAO Level 5 Samples

Russian ATC

In this task, the candidate hears a series of pilot and air traffic control radio transmissions, and explains what he thinks is happening after each transmission.

Arabian Pilot

In this task, the candidate describes a picture and then responds to discussion prompts presented by the interlocutor.

Polish ATC

This is a face-to-face discussion task. The interlocutor asks the candidate a series of work-related discussion questions.

P     G     V     F     C     I

5     5     5     5     5     5

P     G     V     F     C     I

5     5     5     5     5     5

P     G     V     F     C     I

5     5     5     5     5     5