COMPETENCY-FOCUSED AVIATION ENGLISH FOR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE

Abstract

This paper presents a mixed-methods needs analysis of Aviation English requirements for aircraft maintenance technicians operating in international and multilingual environments. The study addresses the role of precise and context-appropriate communication in maintenance, repair, and overhaul settings, where language use directly influences operational safety and reliability.

The research adopts an exploratory sequential design combining qualitative and quantitative methods. In the first phase, data were collected through an international focus group using the DACUM method to identify key communicative competences. In the second phase, a context-specific survey was administered to practicing aircraft maintenance professionals and trainee cadets in Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Algeria to validate and extend the qualitative findings. The results identify a multidimensional competence framework comprising linguistic, interactional, intercultural, and professional competences required for effective communication in maintenance contexts. Statistical analysis reveals strong correlations between linguistic competence and both interactional and professional competences, highlighting the integration of language performance with operational capability. The findings also identify priority thematic areas for Aviation English instruction and confirm the predominance of receptive skills, particularly reading and listening, in maintenance-related tasks. The study provides empirically grounded insights into the communicative demands of aircraft maintenance personnel and supports the adoption of a competency-focused approach to Aviation English training. This approach emphasizes the ability to apply language in operational contexts and aligns language instruction with the needs of engineering education and industry practice.

Impact Statement

This study provides empirical evidence on Aviation English requirements in aircraft maintenance, supporting the development of competency-focused language training aligned with engineering practice. The findings contribute to improving communication effectiveness, human factors performance, and operational safety in international aviation contexts.