SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION – 2-3 minutes

This test aims to assess your English language proficiency in line with ICAO requirements. The test is in three sections and will take approximately 30 minutes.

First, several questions about your aviation background and experience.

  • Where did you get your ATC training?
  • Could you please tell me about your experience as an air traffic controller?
  • Would you recommend younger people to consider a career as a controller?

If the test taker is a student/graduate:

  • Why did you choose to become an air traffic controller?
  • What is/was the best thing about your training?
  • Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?

SECTION 2: OPERATIONAL INTERACTIONS – 12-13 minutes

You will listen to two audio recordings, describing specific in-flight situations.

Each recording will be played only once.

You may take notes while you listen.

After each recording, you will engage in a radiotelephony role-play based on the situation from the recording.

You will act as the controller, and the interlocutor will take the pilot’s part.

This part of the test will be conducted without visual contact between you and the interlocutor.

RECORDING ONE

First, answer the question – What problem did the Boeing 737 encounter that caused ATC to alert the fire crew?

Next, you may ask the interlocutor up to 2 questions to confirm or clarify any details from the recording.

RTF ROLE-PLAY ONE

Now, imagine you are the controller on duty.

You have just received a report that there is a fuel leak from the left wing of the Boeing 737.

Please relay this information to the Boeing pilot and reply appropriately to the pilot’s transmissions.

The call sign of the aircraft is Sky Air 321.

RECORDING TWO

First, answer the question – What was the main problem that caused the crew to declare a PAN PAN?

Then, you may ask the interlocutor up to 2 questions to clarify any details from the recording.

RTF ROLE-PLAY TWO

Now, imagine you are the controller on duty.

You want more information about the problem on board and the pilot’s intentions.

Please ask the pilot of the affected aircraft to clarify the problem and reply appropriately to the pilot’s transmissions.

The call sign of the other aircraft is Sky Air 321.

The screen will be removed here.

DEBRIEFING

Now, imagine you are the controller who handles the Sky Air flight. Answer the questions of the safety inspector about the engine fault event.

  1. Could you please describe the situation when the crew first reported an engine issue?
  2. What actions did you take upon receiving the report on the engine problem?
  3. What decision did the crew make?
  4. Why do you think the crew decided to continue to the destination on a single engine?
  5. How would your actions have differed if the crew had requested a diversion to the nearest airport?
  6. Based on this experience, what specific recommendations would you propose to new controllers to handle similar cases?

SECTION 3. RTF COMPREHENSION & WORK-RELATED INTERVIEW– 16-17 minutes

You will hear two radiotelephony exchanges in non-routine situations.

Each recording will be played only once.

You may take notes while you listen.

After each recording, you will be asked to give a description of what happened

EXCHANGE ONE

The call sign of the aircraft is Uzbek 612. The aircraft is now approaching it cruising FL 310.

Describe what happened in as much detail as possible.

EXCHANGE TWO

The call sign of the aircraft is Pegasus 519. The aircraft is now descending towards its destination Sochi.

Describe what happened in as much detail as possible.

INTERVIEW

  1. Could you describe immediate actions of an air traffic controller upon receiving a report of a drone on the final approach path?
  2. What key information must be communicated to affected traffic in such a situation?
  3. During an indefinite delay due to drone activity, why is it crucial for ATC to obtain the endurance and alternate from the affected crew?
  4. What makes the approach and landing phase particularly vulnerable to a drone strike?
  5. If the drone activity persists, leading to a significant queue of arriving aircraft, what options do controllers have to manage the situation effectively?
  6. What measures or technologies do you believe are most needed to mitigate the growing risk of drone incursions at major airports?

That is the end of the test.