A proficiência em língua inglesa de pilotos e controladores de voo, que operam em países membros da organização internacional de aviação civil, como fator de prevenção de acidentes/incidentes aeronáuticos.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relation between the English language proficiency level of pilots and air traffic controllers, which operate under the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO, and prevention of aircraft accidents. This entity offers documents which standardize the phraseology used in aeronautical operations and levels of proficiency in English, required for operation of pilots and air traffic controllers, as a means of prevention of aircraft accidents or incidents caused by operational communication errors. Based on studies conducted by experts in Applied Linguistics, as Alderson (2009), Borcony (2001), Douglas (2000), Read (2009), Sarmento (2005), we analyzed reports of accidents and incidents in eight member countries of ICAO officially shipped by their respective accident investigation authorities. The methodology used for the realization of this research was the documentary analysis of eleven (11) occurrences of accidents or incidents. Our hypotheses were confirmed, in full, given that all occurrences investigated in this research presented in their final reports, the lack of English language proficiency, at least one of the subjects of operational communications, as a cause of the occurrence or as important contributing factor.