Enhancing aviation English competency: A simulation-based approach for aspiring pilots

Gökhan Demirdöken, Derin Atay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aviation English (AE) represents a noteworthy area of investigation within the realm of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), aimed at fostering English language competency among aspiring pilots. In this study, a simulation-based aviation English course was designed and implemented for improved learning gains. The present study took place at a tertiary educational institution, focusing on the analysis of AE vocabulary development, the readback performance of student pilots, and the examination of participants' perceptions of simulation-based training. Employing a mixed-methods sequential explanatory research design, data were gathered from 21 ab-initio pilots enrolled in the Pilotage Training program. The quantitative results showed that participants significantly improved their readback performance and AE vocabulary knowledge over the course of a semester. With regard to the qualitative results, student pilots overall perceived the simulation-based training as an innovative and effective method. The present study, therefore, constitutes a notable advancement in the AE research domain by documenting, for the first time, the application of simulation-based training in the aviation context. Moreover, the study offers insights into the implications for ESP practitioners and stakeholders in the aviation sector, along with recommendations for future research, which are delineated in the study's conclusion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)106-121
Number of pages16
JournalEnglish for Specific Purposes
Volume76
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aviation English
  • English for specific purposes
  • Readback performance
  • Simulation
  • Vocabulary knowledge

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