An Analysis of Air Traffic Controllers' Needs for English Proficiency

In aviation context, English especially aviation English is frequently used nowadays among air traffic controllers. For student air traffic controllers in college, the need for English is not just to get the basic language skills to communicate with others effectively but to be capable enough to use English in the domain of aviation. The present study is to identify what factors determine the air traffic controllers' desire to acquire English and which language aspects the student air traffic controllers prioritize. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaires and interviews were conducted by student air traffic controllers in an aerospace university. The purpose of this study is to see the actual needs that the student air traffic controllers demand in the aviation context and to meet the air traffic control learners' requirements. The results of the study reveal that the student air traffic controllers' primary needs are improving their listening and speaking skills, especially in respect to aviation English. Thus the study recommends that curriculum in accordance with the learners' needs should be reviewed and adjusted.