Brussels (BE), October 2007 - EUROCONTROL, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation has launched ELPAC, an English language proficiency test for air traffic controllers. The ELPAC test (English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication) was developed by EUROCONTROL in order to meet the language proficiency requirements for air traffic controllers laid out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Commission.
The test comprises two sections: an internet-based listening comprehension test and an interactive speaking test using visual and non-visual communication. EUROCONTROL commissioned ENOVATE S.A., a Norwegian company, to develop the software for the internet-based test.
"By developing this test and making it available to our Member States, we aim to help them with application of both the ICAO and EC rules. It will also ensure that all air traffic controllers in Europe will have a valid and reliable tool to measure their English language proficiency before the cut-off date of 5 March 2008", said Mr Adrian Enright, ELPAC Project Leader.
"Making the ELPAC Test and all necessary information available online will help to speed up this process." ELPAC has been available online since 31 July 2007. EUROCONTROL
Member States are required to sign a Licence Agreement with EUROCONTROL and have their testing personnel accredited before the test is released to them for implementation. The test was officially unveiled to the 38 EUROCONTROL Member States at the ICAO/EUROCONTROL Workshop on Language Proficiency Requirements Implementation, held in Langen, Germany in September 2007.
