Radiotelephonic Communications and Language Proficiency
Radiotelephonic communications between pilots, air traffic controllers, and aeronautical station operators require the use of standardized phraseologies and appropriate language skills to ensure mutual understanding. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in Annex 1, establishes standards and requirements regarding the language proficiency of pilots, controllers, and operators, aiming to enhance safety in civil aviation.
Since March 5, 2009, all pilots performing international flights must have an endorsement of English language proficiency in their Technical Qualification Certificates, with only pilots who demonstrate Level 4, 5, or 6 being authorized to be part of the technical crew.
Certification by ANAC
As a member of ICAO, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is responsible for certifying airplane and helicopter pilots in Brazil. To prove language proficiency, pilots must demonstrate their ability to speak and understand the language used in radiotelephonic communications through the Santos Dumont English Assessment (SDEA).
The SDEA Exam
The Santos Dumont English Assessment – SDEA is the exam developed by ANAC to assess pilots' English proficiency according to ICAO's Annex 1 and RBAC 61. The exam evaluates the candidate's ability in routine, unforeseen, and emergency contexts related to pilot work. The candidate's oral production is assessed based on ICAO's language proficiency scale, which includes six areas: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and interactions.
To be authorized for international flights, a pilot must achieve at least Level 4 (Operational) in the final assessment.
Candidates answer questions about daily activities and aviation, demonstrating their language knowledge.
The candidate interacts as a pilot in simulated radiotelephonic communications with air traffic control, acting as in a role-play.
The candidate listens to recordings of unexpected situations and reports the information understood, comparing situations and proposing solutions.
The candidate describes a photo or figure and answers questions, justifying opinions on aviation-related topics.
The results, detailing performance in each assessed area, are sent by email from ANAC within 30 business days after the exam. Pilots who achieve level 4 must retake the test after three years, level 5 after six years, and those scoring below level 4 may retake the test after 60 days.
> See an example test provided by ANAC.
● Prerequisites: Must have an ANAC Code and a Pilot Technical Qualification Certificate (CHT).
● Scheduling: The language proficiency exam must be scheduled in advance via email at proficiencia@epa.aero or by phone at (41) 99107-2953.
Arrive at EPA Training Center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Present your Pilot Technical Qualification Certificate (CHT) and an official photo ID.
The interview will be conducted exclusively in English. The use of any other language is not permitted.
The use of any electronic devices, such as cell phones, recorders, etc., is strictly prohibited during the interview.
During parts 2 and 3 of the assessment, the use of pen and paper is allowed. However, all notes will be collected by the examiner at the end of the test.
The test lasts up to 40 minutes.
If you need to reschedule, do so at least 48 hours in advance.
If you wish to appeal or disagree with a score from the Proficiency Test, download the form from the ANAC portal (www.anac.gov.br), fill it out, and sign it. The original document must be submitted to ANAC or sent by mail to the Language Proficiency Department within 30 business days after the results are released.
The test will be recorded. At the end of the evaluation, a digital file will be created and sent along with the process to ANAC. The result will be emailed to the address registered in SACI within 30 business days.
For any questions, contact ANAC's Language Proficiency Department by email at processos.pel@anac.gov.br or access the ANAC Customer Service channels.
