Random Thoughts about Aviation English

Welcome! This is where I write about aviation English, ICAO testing, and the brilliant people I meet through my work. Whilst some ideas are still floating around in my head, these are the thoughts I've actually taken the time to properly explore and put down on 'paper'.

You’ll find practical tips, honest reflections, examiner insights, and real stories from the world of aviation English, all written to help you improve your English and feel better prepared for ICAO language proficiency testing.

As an aviation English specialist, I’ve worked with pilots and aviation professionals from all sorts of backgrounds, levels, and countries, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the same questions come up again and again. What is the ICAO test really looking for? Why do some people seem calm and confident, while others freeze even when their English is actually quite good? And what’s the difference between just scraping through a test and being able to communicate properly when it really matters? 

This blog is where I unpack those questions a bit more honestly. Some posts are about ICAO language proficiency and ELP testing. Others are about aviation English more generally - speaking skills, vocabulary, idiomatic language, confidence, and all the little things that can make communication easier or harder. I also share real stories from the people I meet through my work, because there’s nearly always more going on behind a test result than people realise. Usually it’s not just about English. It’s about pressure, self-belief, preparation, and everything that happens in the background before someone finally starts to feel like they can do this.

If you’re a pilot, student pilot, ATCO, or another aviation professional who wants to improve your English, understand ICAO requirements more clearly, or feel a bit less overwhelmed by the whole process, you’re in the right place. 

My aim is to make aviation English feel more human, more practical, and less intimidating.

Nikki