DGCA insists English proficiency of ICAO standards

In an order signed on March 04, 2008, DGCA has made it compulsory for all aircraft personnel to acquire English language proficiency as per the ICAO stipulations.
The aircraft personnel include the holders of pilot’s licence, flight engineer’s licence, flight navigator’s licence (except student pilot’s licence and pilot’s licence for gliders, balloons and
microlight aircraft), air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators.
The order says the aircraft personnel shall have their English language proficiency evaluated to the ICAO language proficiency standards within a period of three years from 5th March, 2008.
All the existing aircraft personnel (holders of pilot’s licence, flight engineer’s licence, flight navigator’s licence, air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators), as on 5th March, 2008, shall be deemed to have the ability to speak and understand English language to the required ICAO language proficiency Level 4 (operational).
The licences granted after 5th March, 2008 shall be considered to have the required ICAO language proficiency Level 4 (operational) till such time that the licences are issued on the basis of an evaluation conducted for assessing the applicant’s language proficiency. Then the language proficiency of the licence holder is evaluated within a period of three years but in no case
later than 5th March 2011.
06/03/08 DGCA