ADR.OPS.B.029 Language proficiency

(a)     A person required under point ADR.OPS.B.024 to demonstrate language proficiency, shall demonstrate proficiency, at least at an operational level both in the use of phraseologies and in plain language, in accordance with point (b), in:

(1)     the English language; and

(2)     any other language or languages used at the aerodrome for radio communication purposes with the air traffic services unit of the aerodrome.

(b)     The applicant shall demonstrate the ability to:

(1)     communicate effectively in voice-only and in face-to-face situations;

(2)     communicate on common and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity;

(3)     use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognise and resolve misunderstandings in a general or work-related context;

(4)     handle successfully the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events which occurs within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar;

(5)     use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community.

(c)      Language proficiency shall be demonstrated by a certificate issued by the organisation that conducted the assessment, attesting the language or languages, the level or levels of proficiency, and the date of the assessment.

(d)     Except for persons who have demonstrated language proficiency at an expert level, the language proficiency shall be re-assessed every:

(1)     four years from the date of the assessment, if the level demonstrated is operational level;

(2)     six years from the date of the assessment, if the level demonstrated is extended level.

(e)     The demonstration of language proficiency shall be done through a method of assessment, which shall contain:

(1)     the process by which an assessment is done;

(2)     the qualifications of the assessors conducting assessments of language proficiency;

(3)     the appeal procedure.

(f)      The aerodrome operator shall make available language training to maintain the required level of language proficiency of its personnel.

(g)     By way of derogation from point (a), the Member State may decide that the English language proficiency may not be required for personnel referred to in pointADR.OPS.B.024, for radio communication purposes with the air traffic services unit of the aerodrome. In such case, it shall perform a safety assessment covering one or several aerodromes.

(h)     The operator of the aerodrome may issue an authorisation to a person who has not demonstrated compliance with points (a) and (b) until:

(1)     7 January 2026 as regards English language;

(2)     7 January 2023 as regards any language other than the English language.