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U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory

Circular

Subject: FAA English Language Standard

for an FAA Certificate Issued Under

14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107

Date: 6/2/17 AC No: 60-28B

Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:

1 PURPOSE OF THIS AC. This advisory circular (AC) introduces the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) and provides

guidance to applicants, airmen, training organizations, Designated Examiners (DE), and

flight and ground instructors on how to determine that an applicant for an FAA certificate

or a person holding an FAA certificate meets the FAA AELS. AELS will be evaluated

before acceptance of a student pilot application or issuance of a student solo

endorsement, recommendation or examination of an applicant for an FAA pilot certificate

or additional aircraft rating, and whenever any individual is tested or checked as required

by the Administrator under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

The following AELS eligibility standard definition clarifies the regulatory English

language eligibility requirement for FAA certificates issued per 14 CFR parts 61, 63, 65,

and 107.

1.1 The FAA AELS. The holder of an FAA certificate or applicant for an FAA certificate or

rating should be able to communicate in English in a discernible and understandable

manner with air traffic control (ATC), pilots, and others involved in preparing an aircraft

for flight and operating an aircraft in flight. This communication may or may not involve

the use of the radio. An applicant for an FAA certificate issued per part 61, 63, 65, or 107

who cannot hear or speak due to a medical deficiency may be eligible for an FAA

certificate with specific operational limitations.

2 WHAT THIS AC CANCELS. This AC cancels AC 60-28A, English Language Skill

Standards Required by 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, and 65, dated December 11, 2013.

3 BACKGROUND. In general, Federal aviation regulations state that, to be eligible for an

FAA certificate or additional aircraft rating, an applicant must be able to read, speak,

write, and understand the English language. This AC supports the regulatory English

language eligibility requirements stated in part 61 for pilots and flight and ground

instructors; in part 63 for Flight Engineers (FE) and flight navigators; in part 65 for ATC

tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, aircraft mechanics, aircraft repairmen, and

parachute riggers; and in part 107 for certification of an Unmanned Aircraft System

(UAS) Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS (sUAS) rating. This AC clarifies the

FAA English language standard and provides the procedures to evaluate whether an

applicant or certificated individual possesses the regulatory FAA English language

eligibility requirements for an FAA certificate, and that all endorsements, authorizations,

or records of training and checking entered into an applicant’s or certificated airman’s

logbook or training record will be entered in English. Therefore, each 14 CFR part that

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

pertains to certification contains applicable requirements to read, write, speak, and

understand the English language. Furthermore, the FAA, as a supporting member of the

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has agreed that, to be consistent with

currently established ICAO guidance, the ICAO Operational Level 4 standards for

English language proficiency would be applied to all FAA-certificated

airmen/individuals. When an eligibility requirement contains this language, the

FAA AELS should be applied to no less than the ICAO Operational Level 4.

4 DEFINITIONS.

4.1 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) English Language Criteria

Definitions. These definitions are from the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale at

the Operational Level 4. The Proficiency Scale appears in ICAO Doc 9835, Manual on

the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements, and the attachment in

ICAO Annex 1, Personnel Licensing. The FAA AELS is based on this standard.

Note: The FAA AELS is minimum Level 4. Individuals can search on the Internet

for aviation English language courses that meet ICAO Annex 1 English language

standards.

1. Pronunciation. This assumes that English is not the applicant’s native

language and that the applicant has a dialect or accent that is intelligible to the

aeronautical community. Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation are

influenced by the applicant’s native language, but only sometimes interfere

with ease of understanding.

2. Structure. Relevant grammatical structures and sentence patterns are

determined by language functions appropriate to the task. Basic grammatical

structures and sentence patterns are used creatively and are usually

well-controlled by the applicant. Errors may occur, particularly in unusual or

unexpected circumstances, but rarely interfere with meaning.

3. Vocabulary. The applicant’s vocabulary range and accuracy are usually

sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and work-related

topics. The applicant can often paraphrase successfully when lacking

vocabulary in unusual or unexpected circumstances.

4. Fluency. The applicant produces stretches of language at an appropriate

tempo. There may be occasional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed

or formulaic speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent

effective communication. The applicant can make limited use of discourse

markers or connectors. Fillers are not distracting.

5. Comprehension. Comprehension by the applicant is mostly accurate on

common, concrete, and work-related topics when the dialect, accent, or

variety used is sufficiently intelligible. When the applicant is confronted with

a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of events,

comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies.

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

6. Interactions. Responses by the applicant are usually immediate, appropriate,

and informative. The applicant initiates and maintains exchanges even when

dealing with an unexpected turn of events. The applicant deals adequately

with apparent misunderstandings by checking, confirming, or clarifying.

4.2 AC 60-28 Definition of Terms.

1. ICAO Language Proficiency Operational Level 4. The FAA AELS minimum

acceptable level to be considered English proficient and/or receive an

“English Proficient” certificate endorsement.

2. FAA AELS Evaluator. For the purpose of this AC, an evaluator is any

individual who is authorized to conduct certification, training, testing,

or checking, or to issue an endorsement required by the regulations.

5 RESPONSIBILITIES.

5.1 Persons and Organizations Responsible for Continuously Monitoring AELS.

FAA personnel, DEs, flight and ground instructors, Training Center Evaluators (TCE),

check FEs/check pilots, training facilities, and flight schools are responsible for ensuring

that those attending/receiving training continuously demonstrate the eligibility

requirements for an FAA certificate specific to the FAA AELS.

5.2 Hearing and Speech Impairment. An applicant for an FAA certificate issued per

part 61, 63, 65, or 107 who cannot hear or speak due to a medical deficiency may be

eligible for an FAA certificate with specific operational limitations.

5.3 Overview of the Eligibility Requirements for a Certificate Issued in Accordance

with Various Parts of 14 CFR.

5.3.1 Part 61 Requirements: Certification of Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.

Eligibility requirements contained in part 61 require pilots, flight instructors, and ground

instructors to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

5.3.2 Part 63 Requirements: Certification of Flightcrew Members Other Than Pilots.

5.3.2.1 FEs. Eligibility requirements contained in § 63.31 require an applicant for a

Flight Engineer Certificate to be able to read, speak, and understand the

English language, or have an appropriate limitation placed on the certificate.

5.3.2.2 Flight Navigators. Eligibility requirements contained in § 63.51 require

an applicant for a Flight Navigator Certificate to be able to read, write, speak,

and understand the English language.

5.3.3 Part 65 Requirements: Certification of Airmen Other Than Flightcrew Members.

5.3.3.1 ATC Tower Operators. Eligibility requirements contained in part 65,

§ 65.33(c) require an applicant for an Air Traffic Control Tower Operator

Certificate to be able to read, write, and understand the English language

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

and speak it without accent or impediment of speech that would interfere with

two-way radio conversation.

5.3.3.2 Aircraft Dispatchers. Eligibility requirements contained in § 65.53(b)(2)

require an applicant for an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate to have the ability

to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. Any applicant who

fails to demonstrate this ability will not be issued an Aircraft Dispatcher

Certificate.

5.3.3.3 Mechanics and Repairmen. Eligibility requirements contained in

§§ 65.71(a)(2) and 65.101(a)(6) require an applicant for a Mechanic or a

Repairman Certificate and associated ratings to be able to read, write, speak,

and understand the English language. An applicant who does not meet this

requirement and who is employed outside of the United States by a

U.S. air carrier will have his or her certificate endorsed, “Valid only outside

the United States.”

5.3.3.4 Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) Repairmen. Eligibility requirements contained

in § 65.107(a) require an applicant for a Repairman Certificate (LSA) to be

able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If, for medical reasons, an

applicant cannot meet these requirements, the FAA may place limitations on

the Repairman Certificate necessary to safely perform the actions authorized

by the certificate and rating.

5.3.3.5 Parachute Rigger. Eligibility requirements in § 65.113(a)(2) require an

applicant for a Parachute Rigger Certificate to be able to read, write, speak,

and understand the English language. Where citizens of Puerto Rico or

persons employed by a U.S. air carrier outside of the United States are

concerned, applicants who do not meet this requirement will be issued a

certificate that is valid only in Puerto Rico or only while the person is

employed outside of the United States by that air carrier, as the case may be.

5.3.4 Part 107 Requirements: Certification of sUAS Remote Pilots. Eligibility requirements in

part 107, § 107.61 require an applicant for a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS

rating to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If, for medical reasons,

an applicant cannot meet these requirements, the FAA may place limitations on the

Remote Pilot Certificate necessary to safely perform the actions authorized by the

certificate and rating.

6 PROCESS TO ENSURE APPLICANTS FOR AN FAA CERTIFICATE AND

HOLDERS OF AN FAA CERTIFICATE DEMONSTRATE THE FAA AELS.

During the student pilot application process, a practical test, flight review, instrument

proficiency check (IPC), or pilot-in-command (PIC) proficiency check, the individual

conducting testing, training, a review, or any required regulatory check should evaluate

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

if the applicant for an FAA certificate or holder of an FAA certificate demonstrates the

FAA AELS. (See Appendix A, FAA English Language Standard Evaluation.)

6.1 Part 107. Any applicant for a UAS Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating who

does not already hold an FAA pilot certificate will certify they meet the English language

eligibility requirements of part 107 by successfully completing the Airman Knowledge

Test. However, if after obtaining the Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating the

individual has any interaction with an FAA AELS evaluator and the evaluator, during the

interaction, finds it difficult to understand the individual in English, the evaluator will

notify the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) of jurisdiction of the interaction and

concern and, if possible, provide the individual’s name, contact information, or any

additional information that could assist the FAA to locate the individual.

6.2 Planning an FAA AELS Evaluation. AELS evaluators should develop multiple plans

of action to conduct an AELS evaluation. This will ensure that their evaluation does not

become predictable. Also, AELS evaluators must access the following ICAO language

proficiency website that provides audio of the various ICAO English language levels in

order to familiarize themselves with the ICAO English Language Proficiency (ELP)

operational levels so they can best accomplish the FAA AELS evaluation:

http://cfapp.icao.int/rssta/RSSTA.cfm.

6.3 Objectives of the AELS Evaluation.

1. Determine that the individual meets the FAA AELS.

2. During the evaluation, consider whether the person’s communication is

impaired by any of the applicable ICAO items listed in paragraph 4.

6.4 Airman Certificate, Certification, and Training Under the Regulations’ Required

Reviews and Checks. An “English Proficient” endorsement on the Private Pilot,

Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) (with powered aircraft ratings), Flight

Engineer, and Flight Navigator Certificate indicates the airman was evaluated to have the

equivalent of a minimum ICAO Operational Level 4 English language proficiency.

All applicants for a certificate will be evaluated for the AELS by an evaluator during the

respective event. During training for a certificate, rating, privilege, or authorization,

or for any regulatory event, the FAA evaluator should continuously monitor whether the

applicant or airman demonstrates the FAA AELS.

6.5 Failure of an Applicant or FAA-Certificated Individual to Meet the FAA AELS.

Notwithstanding the other certificate eligibility requirements, unless otherwise authorized

by the Administrator, no person may exercise the privileges of an FAA certificate issued

under part 61, 63, 65, or 107 unless that person meets the AELS as determined by the

FAA AELS evaluation. If a person holding an Airman Certificate issued under

regulations does not meet the FAA AELS, the evaluator will comply with the

recordkeeping procedures in Appendix A. This individual may be subject

to reexamination under Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) § 44709.

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

6.6 FAA Validating AELS. If the evaluator determines that the applicant/airman does not

meet the FAA AELS, the evaluator will refer the applicant/airman to the local FSDO to

validate the individual’s FAA AELS. (See Appendix A.)

7 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.

8 CONTACT. For additional information, please contact the FAA Flight Standards

Service (AFS) General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) at 202-267-1100.

9 AC FEEDBACK FORM. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page

of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested

improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.

John S. Duncan

Director, Flight Standards Service

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

Appendix A

APPENDIX A. FAA ENGLISH LANGUAGE STANDARD EVALUATION

A.1 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation English Language Standard

(AELS). An individual who holds an FAA certificate or an applicant for an FAA

certificate or rating, per the eligibility requirement of the respective certificate, should

continuously demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English

language. The standard is to ensure:

The holder of an FAA certificate or applicant for an FAA certificate

or rating must be able to communicate in English with air traffic control

(ATC), pilots, and others involved in preparing an aircraft for flight and

operating an aircraft in flight. This communication may or may not

involve the use of the radio.

A.2 Compliance with FAA AELS for 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107. These parts have

specific AELS requirements governing competency in the English language as an

eligibility requirement for all certificates identified.

A.2.1 Overview.

A.2.1.1 It is of major importance that FAA personnel, training facilities, and

individuals authorized to conduct evaluations, training, testing, checking,

or certification activities all share the responsibility to ensure that all

applicants for an FAA certificate or individuals who hold FAA certificates

continually demonstrate that they meet the FAA AELS. Otherwise,

the individual may be subject to a reexamination in accordance with Title 49

of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) § 44709.

A.2.1.2 Only an applicant who is unable to meet one of these requirements due to

medical deficiency (e.g., hearing impaired) may be permitted to be issued

an FAA certificate under part(s) 61, 63, 65, or 107.

A.2.1.3 A limitation is given only if the inability to meet the requirements is due to a

medical condition/disability. It does not apply to applicants unable to meet the

requirements due to lack of fluency, inadequate articulation, and/or lack of

comprehension of the English language, or accent to the degree that speech is

not clearly understood. Those applicants may not be issued an FAA certificate

unless specifically stated under the applicable regulations.

A.2.1.4 FAA AELS evaluation process: For the purpose of this guidance, an evaluator

is any individual who is authorized to conduct certification, training, testing,

checking, or to issue an endorsement required by the regulations. Although

the Airman Certification Standard contains an English Language Proficiency

(ELP) standard for pilots, this advisory circular (AC) provides an AELS that

can be used as a guideline for certificates issued under parts 61, 63, 65,

and 107.

A-1

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

Appendix A

A.2.2 Evaluation Resources (current editions). Suggested resources include, but are not

limited to:

1. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) English Language Criteria

definitions.

2. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, which prescribes ATC

procedures and phraseology.

3. FAA-G-8082-9, Flight Engineer Knowledge Test Guide.

4. FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.

5. FAA-H-8083-27, Student Pilot Guide.

6. FAA-S-8081-10, Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards.

7. FAA Airman Knowledge Test Guides and Handbooks and Manuals

available at:

• http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_guides/.

• http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/.

A.2.3 Evaluation Assessment Process. Based upon the applicant’s aviation experience, training,

and/or FAA certificate held (or the certificate applied for), the evaluator may ask

questions specific to the certificate application. For example, have the applicant/airman

listen to the evaluator read an ATC clearance or instructions, an Airplane Flight Manual

(AFM)/pilot’s operating handbook (POH), or weather report, etc., then ask the applicant

to explain the material. If the applicant does not have aviation experience (e.g., an

applicant for a Student Pilot Certificate), then choose from the provided evaluation

resources and read the introduction sections of the document(s) to the applicant or

certificated airman. Then, in addition to listening to the individual’s ability to effectively

communicate in English (see subparagraph A.2.4 for complete details):

A.2.3.1 Request that the applicant or certificated airman read a portion of the text,

ask the applicant to explain what they heard, and request that they write down

in their words what they heard and read.

A.2.3.2 Per the above, the evaluator can determine if the applicant understands

in English what they heard and read and if they can effectively communicate

in English in a discernible and understandable manner. This will determine

whether or not the applicant can communicate with ATC, pilots, and others

involved in preparing an aircraft for flight and operating an aircraft in flight,

with or without radio; therefore, the applicant will or will not be deemed to

meet the FAA regulatory English language eligibility requirements to be

issued or hold an FAA certificate.

A.2.3.3 If the applicant or airman is determined by the evaluator not to meet the

FAA AELS, only the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) with

jurisdiction and appropriately rated aviation safety inspectors (ASI) or the

FAA policy division may override the evaluator’s AELS decision. If the FAA

A-2

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

Appendix A

office of jurisdiction determines that the applicant does meet FAA AELS,

the office will forward an approved Airman Certificate and/or Rating

Application to the Airmen Certification Branch (AFS-760), approving the

issuance of the certificate.

A.2.4 Processing the Results of an AELS Evaluation.

Note: The following example is typical for a student pilot certification.

The airman certification process may vary based on the certification being sought

or evaluated.

A.2.4.1 Student Pilot Application. If someone other than an ASI rejects the

application for a Student Pilot Certificate due to AELS, the evaluator will

refer the applicant to the FSDO of jurisdiction to validate the AELS rejection.

A.2.4.1.1 The evaluator will complete FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certification and/or

Rating Application, in the Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating

Application (IACRA). If using IACRA, the software will mark all appropriate

boxes per the answers to the questions and will submit the application to

AFS-760. If using the paper form of FAA Form 8710-1, mark the appropriate

boxes to indicate either “Accepted Student Pilot Application” or “Rejected

Student Pilot Application;” mark in the last section of the form that the

applicant either “Meets the FAA Aviation English Language Proficiency”

or is “Referred to FSDO for Aviation English Language Proficiency

determination;” and then forward the application to the FSDO of jurisdiction

for the English language assessment and processing to AFS-760.

Note: Only an ASI can mark the box “Does Not Meet FAA Aviation

English Language Proficiency.”

A.2.4.2 FAA-Certificated Individuals Evaluated Who Do Not Demonstrate the

FAA AELS. If an evaluator other than an ASI rejects an application for an

FAA certificate or rating, or determines during a 14 CFR required check that

the individual does not demonstrate the FAA AELS, the evaluator will refer

the applicant to the FAA FSDO of jurisdiction to validate the individual’s

FAA AELS and comply with the following procedure, as applicable.

1. In the case of a part 61 required flight test/review/check for

issuance of an FAA certificate/rating, or to continue to exercise the

privileges of the individual’s FAA certificate or rating, the

evaluator will not continue the test or endorse the individual’s

logbook regarding the review/check conducted. The evaluator will

notify the FSDO of jurisdiction and will refer the individual to that

FSDO.

2. In the case of a regulatory required check for any operating

regulation (e.g., 14 CFR parts 121 and 135), the evaluator will

A-3

6/2/17 AC 60-28B

Appendix A

mark the appropriate application/form as not completed and

indicate on the application/form, “does not meet the FAA AELS.”

The evaluator will refer the individual to the FSDO/certificate

management office (CMO) of jurisdiction.

A.2.4.3 After an Individual is Referred to FAA for AELS Assessment.

1. If the FAA determines that the certificated airman does meet the

FAA AELS, the ASI will advise the CMO/evaluator that the

individual does meet the FAA AELS. The evaluator will then

complete the original flight test, review, or check.

2. If the FAA determines that the certificated individual does not

meet the FAA AELS, the ASI will advise the CMO, evaluator,

and airman that the individual does not meet the FAA AELS. The

ASI will refer to FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Airman

Certification, for detailed guidance.

A.2.5 FAA AELS for Foreign Pilots. If an ASI during any surveillance or ramp inspection

becomes aware of a foreign pilot who appears to not meet the FAA AELS, the ASI will

comply with current guidance for further action.

A.2.6 FAA AELS in the National Airspace System (NAS). ASIs, ATC controllers, FAA

Designated Examiners (DE), certificated flight instructors (CFI), flight training facilities,

and flight schools during training or testing are encouraged to report observed aviation

English language barriers to their FAA office of jurisdiction.

A-4

Advisory Circular Feedback Form

If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions

for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the General Aviation

and Commercial Division (AFS-800) at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov or the Flight

Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFS-140-Directives@faa.gov.

Subject: AC 60-28B, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR

Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107

Date: _____________________

Please check all appropriate line items:

An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ____________

on page _______.

Recommend paragraph _____________ on page __________ be changed as follows:

______________________________________________________________________

In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:

(Briefly describe what you want added.)

______________________________________________________________________

Other comments:

______________________________________________________________________

I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me.

Submitted by: Date: ______________________

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