RMIT English Worldwide (REW) recently exhibited at the Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium (APATS) in Singapore, where Rachele Zito, REW’s Aviation English Training Manager, contributed to a panel discussion on English language proficiency challenges for the aviation industry.
Rachele said, ‘Language erosion is a real issue. Pilots who achieved Level 4 in language proficiency tests three years ago often fail to achieve the same level when retested.’
Rachele emphasised that language proficiency is a skill that requires ongoing practice and training. ‘The major challenge isn’t getting pilots to Level 4; it’s helping them maintain those language skills,’ she said.
The growth of training in Asia was evident at the symposium, which had 329 attendees, including representatives from 178 companies and 29 airlines.
Matthew Cerche, REW’s Marketing Executive, also attended the event. ‘Three of the four panellists are current or past RMIT employees,’ he commented. ‘It’s great to see that some of the most respected people in Aviation English started their careers at REW.’