ICAO Level - English Guidance
ICAO Level - English Guidance
Zehra BUBEROĞLU
www.instagram.com/icaolevel
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 2
PART A (SECTION 1 for TEA FORMAT) – PERSONAL INTERVIEW & OPINIONS .................................................... 3
Test Format ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Personal and Aviation Related Questions ........................................................................................................ 3
PART B (SECTION 2 for TEA FORMAT) – AUDIO COMPREHENSION ..................................................................... 9
Test Format ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
PART C (SECTION 3 for TEA FORMAT) – PICTURE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................ 15
Test Format .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Sample Pictures .............................................................................................................................................. 17
ICAO EVALUATION CRITERIA .............................................................................................................................. 20
ICAO LEVEL – PRIVATE LESSON .......................................................................................................................... 23
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INTRODUCTION
The ICAO Level Exam is an English proficiency exam carried out between the candidate and the examiner. This
exam measures your ability to use English effectively and appropriately in aviation-related subjects rather than
technical knowledge. The result of the exam is accepted as Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 passing score and is issued
in your license.
Dear candidates, ICAO Level exam is administered by several institutions authorized by the General Directorate of
Civil Aviation in Turkey. Different institutions apply different exam formats. If you are going to take the ICAO level
exam abroad, I recommend you to study the most common TEA format.
Although there are no significant differences between the formats, the questions directed to you will vary.
Exam formats applied by institutions in Turkey are listed below.
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PART A (SECTION 1 for TEA FORMAT) – PERSONAL INTERVIEW & OPINIONS
Test Format
- This part takes about 10 minutes.
- It starts with personal questions. Then it continues with aviation related questions.
- You will also be asked questions about your professional life. Depending on your answers, the examiner may ask
different questions.
- You must also read the letter and number shown on the screen according to ICAO rules before you move onto
personal and aviation related questions.
You can find an example of PART A from the link below:
PART A - EPAP
Formatı.ogv
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wfsfc3go406e8kt/PART%20A%20-%20EPAP%20Format%C4%B1.ogv?dl=0
The questions listed below have been asked in exams so far or are likely to be asked.
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69. Why does flying satisfy you?
70. Why do you like flying?
71. What are you doing nowadays?
72. Which situation do you encounter or scared the most while flying?
73. Describe what happened in your last simulator?
74. What type of aircraft do you fly?
75. Do animals pose a danger to flight? Do animals put flight safety in danger? (bird strike)
Aviation Related Qs
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87. What is CRM? What is the importance of CRM? What can happen to the flight if a captain doesn’t follow the CRM?
88. The accidents usually happen during take-off and landing. What do you think could be the reason for this? How can
it be prevented?
89. You entered icing conditions. What would you do?
90. What is microburst? How do you recover from it?
91. How would you act if you experienced hydraulic failure during flight?
92. What is situational awareness? Can you give an example of this?
93. How does snow affect ground operations?
94. What is fatigue?
95. How do we prevent VORTEX?
96. In which situations do you engage the autopilot and in which situation do you take direct control of the airplane?
97. What are V1, Vr and V2?
98. What is a TCAS?
99. When can a pilot refuse an ATC’s instruction?
100. As an F/O, what are your responsibilities and duties for the captain?
101. How does density affect the flight?
102. Your observation during flight may be a valuable source of information for ATC and other pilots. Please give 3
examples of information you may want to report to ATC or other pilots for safety related reasons.
103. How would you prioritize your tasks in an emergency situation?
104. Please give 3 examples of situation that would justify making a mayday call?
105. Please give 3 examples of situation that would justify making a pan pan call?
106. What is the difference between incident and accident?
107. What is runway obstruction? Give an example.
108. What is sink rate?
109. Please compare VFR and IFR.
110. What are the examples of the loss of communication due to human errors?
111. Give 2 medical emergency examples?
112. What kind of measurements should be taken to reduce medical emergencies?
113. Can you tell me the differences between controlled and uncontrolled airspace?
114. What are the difficulties about short runway?
115. What is the difference between de-icing and anti-icing?
116. Have you ever been in a ground accident? How can we prevent ground accidents?
117. How do you prevent midair collision?
118. How should the relationship between captain and first officer be?
119. What topics entertain you and the captain during long haul flights?
120. How do you prepare yourself for day or night fligths?
121. Should pilots be retired before 60? Why? Why not?
122. What is precautionary landing?
123. Why do pilots say ‘’heavy’’?
124. What are the results of fire on board?
125. What are the reasons for runway incursion and excursions?
126. What is NOTAM?
127. What do you do during rejected take off?
128. What is depressurisation?
129. What changes have happened in the cockpit in the last 20 years?
130. Tell me something about low cost airlines?
131. What would you do if your landing gear did not retract after take-off?
132. What would you do if you realized the doors were still open after take-off?
133. What could be the reason for turbulences?
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134. What would you do if there was a drunk passenger on board and he was not calming down?
135. What must be done if there is a life-threatening situation on board, such as hijacking?
136. What do you think about the delays due to VIP aircrafts or movements?
137. If there was a bomb threat on board what would you do?
138. What would you do when you were faced with storms during flight?
139. What is the difference between mayday and pan pan call?
140. What kind of icing equipments are on the aircraft?
141. What happens if you encounter CB Clouds?
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PART B (SECTION 2 for TEA FORMAT) – AUDIO COMPREHENSION
Test Format
This section will vary according to the institution where you will take the exam.
The parts you may encounter according to the exam formats are as follows:
- In addition to asking questions about the recordings, the Examiner may also ask you to repeat
what was said in the recording.
- The recordings include ATIS, Clearance, Unusual Situations, Emergency situations, Readbacks…
PART B - EPAP
Formatı.ogv
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yrkrch4likozjlq/PART%20B%20-%20EPAP%20Format%C4%B1.ogv?dl=0
Recording 1
Answer: 1040
Recording 2
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Recording 3
Recording 4
Answer: Most probably the pilot has a landing gear problem and he wants to have the aircraft’s landing gear
Recording 5
Recording 6
Recording 7
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TALPA & I-LINE ACADEMY - TEC FORMAT:
Part 1
- The Examiner will turn her/his back on you to avoid being face to face.
- You will listen 2 short audio recordings.
- The Examiner tells you the questions to be asked you before playing the recordings.
- You take notes of those questions and listen to the recording accordingly. When the recording is finished, you
answer the questions.
Part 2
PART B - TEC
Formatı.MP3
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tvw2tu5l8cfczd1/PART%20B%20-%20TEC%20Format%C4%B1.MP3?dl=0
Part 1
Recording 1
Answer 2: 1011
Recording 2
Answer 1: 128.35
Answer 2: 11:52
Part 2
SECTION 2 - TEA
Formatı.mp3
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wq1b92fianxpv24/SECTION%202%20-%20TEA%20Format%C4%B1.mp3?dl=0
- You will be asked 2 standard questions about these 6 short recordings. Questions are: ‘’What was the
message?” and “Who do you think wasspeaking, a pilot or a controller?’’.
- These questions will already be given to you so that you do not forget.
- The Examiner will ask you what the message in the recording is and who speaks.
- Since every situation you hear in the recording is important, it is recommended not to skip any part.
- You will be given 20 seconds for answer.
Example:
Situation 1: The passenger still not calm. Please call security. (A pilot is speaking.)
Situation 2: Could you confirm that your injured passenger has stopped bleeding? (A controller is speaking.)
Situation 3: A heavy storm has caused damaged. We will not be able to take off. (A pilot is speaking)
Situation 4: Our screens are now working. We can see again. (A controller is speaking.)
Situation 5: What’s happening? An airplane just passed in front of us. (A pilot is speaking.)
Situation 6: Is there lightening in the vicinity? Is a quick weather update available? (A pilot is speaking.)
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Situation 1: We are entering icing conditions. Our anti-icing system is faulty. We would like to descend FL250 as
soon as possible to get out of this.
Situation 2: You are entering air space that has been closed due to hot air balloon activity. Turn left to 180
immediately and state your intentions. We do not have a flight plan for you.
Situation 3: We have given the passengers some medication from the unborn medical kit but he doesn’t seem to
be responding to it. Can you speak to a doctor?
Situation 4: It looks like we got a flap malfunction. We think we are going to try landing on runway 17 right. But
please hold on while we check with the landing distance assumption.
Possible Questions:
What’s the reason of power loss?
Is there a bird strike?
What are the meteorological conditions?
Are there any thunderstorm, lightning or hail?
Do you see any flames or smoke coming out of the engines?
Are your other systems such as electrical or hydraulic systems working?
Can you maintain altitude and speed?
Possible Advices:
Apply Aviate -Navigate-Communicate.
Maintain the control of the aircraft to fly straight and level.
Navigate safely using your displays.
Communicate with the ATC, so he/she can give you instructions for a possible emergency landing.
Check the Operations Manual and see if you can solve the malfunction.
Situation 2: We have a problem. We need to get the passenger off the plane quickly.
Possible Questions:
Why do you need to get the passenger off the airplane?
Is there any unlawful interference?
Is he/she a terrorist?
Is there any hi-jacking situation?
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Is he/she drunk?
Did he/she hurt anybody?
Do you need security?
Is he/she in the cabin or in the cockpit?
Possible advices:
Instruct the cabin crew so they can control the situation.
Try to speak with the passenger and keep him calm.
Don’t let the passenger enter the cockpit.
Call the security.
Try to keep the other passengers safe.
Possible Questions:
Where is the fire exactly?
Is it an engine fire or is the fire in the cabin or the cargo compartment?
Have you used all possible fire extinguishers?
Did you use the fire-shut off valve if the fire is in the engine?
Is there any smoke in the cabin?
Are the passengers affected from this situation?
Possible advices:
Use all possible fire extinguishers
Use the fire-shut off valve if it is an engine fire?
Shut off ventilating airflow if the fire is in the cargo compartment?
Evacuate the passengers immediately if you are on ground?
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PART C (SECTION 3 for TEA FORMAT) – PICTURE DESCRIPTION
Test Format
- In this section, you will be shown a few different pictures and you will be asked to describe what you see in the
pictures.
- The more details you provide, the more advantageous it will be.
- You need to start describing the picture from the most important point. For example, it could be a runway
excursion that you see in the picture. In this case, you can start the narration with the sentence "this is a picture
of runway excursion".
- Then the definition of the aircraft (passenger, cargo, training etc…)
- The position of the aircraft (in the air, on the ground etc…)
- Living or inanimate objects around.
- Description of the entire event you see in the picture (ready to take off, damage, about to land).
- What you see in the foreground and background.
- You can complete your explanation by giving details such as weather conditions
PART C - EPAP
Formatı.ogv
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ynbf6iseqfblqmk/PART%20C%20-%20EPAP%20Format%C4%B1.ogv?dl=0
Picture 1
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TALPA & I-LINE ACADEMY - TEC FORMAT:
- The picture will be allowed to stand in front of you while describing the picture.
PART C - TEC
Formatı.mpeg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cl9w4kupsweyd0n/PART%20C%20-%20TEC%20Format%C4%B1.mpeg?dl=0
I want you to describe everything you see in this photo with as much detail as possible
Are you familiar with cargo operations?
What kind of cargo is transported in this aircraft?
Can you describe the weather conditions?
To end the interview is there any aviation related anecdote or incident that you can tell me about?
PART C - TEA
Formatı.mpeg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6nkacbnzpi00gjk/PART%20C%20-%20TEA%20Format%C4%B1.mpeg?dl=0
Picture Description:
- You will be shown the first picture and asked to describe what you see in the picture. You will be given 30 seconds
for the narration.
- The second picture will be shown to you and you will be asked questions about this picture.
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Discussion:
- There will be a face-to-face discussion on general aviation based on the given pictures.
- In this section, you will have the opportunity to express your thoughts, make assumptions about the future, etc..
Now let’s discuss emergency situations. When is a situation an emergency situation?
What can cause the lack of control of the aircraft?
To which emergency situation should passengers be most worried about?
Why depressurization is one of the most dangerous situations for passengers?
In what ways to aviation personnel threats depressurization differently from other emergencies?
Can pilots descend immediately or do they need clearance?
Do you agree that the frequency of emergencies during flight is likely to drop in line with technological
developments or other changes?
How are problems in the past reported so the industry could improve?
How would you suggest the aviation industry eases the anxiety of some passengers about flight safety?
How would you suggest the industry informs passengers better?
Sample Pictures
This is a picture of an Airbus 380 and I see that her right wing tip crashed into a building. The picture only shows the
fuselage and the right wing of the aircraft. This may have happened after a runway excursion because the aircraft is
standing on a grassy ground rather than a runway or a taxiway.
It is probably a rainy day because I see that the sky is overcast by dark clouds.
There are a few people and a few vehicles around the aircraft.
I also see that there is an aircraft flying below the clouds. Also on the ground far away, I can see another building or
hangar and another aircraft in front of it.
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ICAO EVALUATION CRITERIA
STRUCTURE
Relevant
PRONUNCIATION
grammatical
Assumes a dialect
structures and
and/or accent
LEVEL sentence patterns VOCABULARY FLUENCY COMPREHENSION INTERACTIONS
intelligible to the
are determined by
aeronautical
language functions
community.
appropriate to the
task.
Pronunciation,
Vocabulary range and Able to speak at length
stress, rhythm, and Both basic and Comprehension is
accuracy are sufficient to with a natural, effortless Interacts with ease in
intonation, though complex consistently accurate
communicate effectively flow. Varies speech flow nearly all situations. Is
Expert possibly influenced grammatical in nearly all contexts
on a wide variety of for stylistic effect, e.g. to sensitive to verbal and
by the first language structures and and includes
familiar and unfamiliar emphasize a point. Uses non-verbal cues and
6 or regional variation, sentence patterns comprehension of
topics. Vocabulary is appropriate discourse responds to them
almost never are consistently well linguistic and cultural
idiomatic, nuanced, and markers and connectors appropriately.
interfere with ease controlled. subtleties.
sensitive to register. spontaneously.
of understanding.
Comprehension is
accurate on
common, concrete,
Basic grammatical and work-related
Pronunciation, Vocabulary range and
structures and Able to speak at length topics and mostly
stress, rhythm, and accuracy are sufficient to
sentence patterns with relative ease on accurate when the
intonation, though communicate effectively Responses are immediate,
are consistently well familiar topics but may speaker is confronted
Extended influenced by the on common, concrete, appropriate, and
controlled. Complex not vary speech flow as a with a linguistic or
first language or and work-related informative. Manages the
structures are stylistic device. Can make situational
5 regional variation, topics. Paraphases speaker/listener
attempted but with use of appropriate complication or an
rarely interfere with consistently and relationship effectively.
errors which discourse markers or unexpected turn of
ease of successfully. Vocabulary
sometimes interfere connectors. events. Is able to
understanding. is sometimes idiomatic.
with meaning. comprehend a range
of speech varieties
(dialect and/or
accent) or registers.
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Comprehension is
mostly accurate on
common, concrete,
and work-related
Produces stretches of
Basic grammatical topics when the
Vocabulary range and language at an
structures and accent or variety Responses are usually
accuracy are usually appropriate tempo. There
Pronunciation, sentence patterns used is sufficiently immediate, appropriate,
sufficient to may be occassional loss of
stress, rhythm, and are used creatively intelligible for an and informative. Initiates
communicate effectively fluency on transition from
intonation are and are usually well international and maintains exchanges
on common, concrete, rehearsed or formulaic
Operational influenced by the controlled. Errors community of even when dealing with
and work-related speech to spontaneous
first language or may occur, users. When the an unexpected turn of
topics. Can often interaction, but this does
4 regional variation particularly in speaker is confronted events. Deals adequately
paraphrase successfully not prevent effective
but only sometimes unusual or with a linguistic or with apparent
when lacking vocabulary communication. Can
interfere with ease unexpected situational misunderstandings by
in unusual or make limited use of
of understanding. circumstances, but complication or an checking, confirming, or
unexpected discourse markers or
rarely interfere with unexpected turn of clarifying.
circumstances. connectors. Fillers are not
meaning. events,
distracting.
comprehension may
be slower or require
clarification
strategies.
Comprehension is
often accurate on
Vocabulary range and Responses are sometimes
common, concrete,
Basic grammatical accuracy are often immediate, appropriate,
Pronunciation, Produces stretches of and work-related
structures and sufficient to and informative. Can
stress, rhythm, and language, but phrasing topics when the
sentence patterns communicate on initiate and maintain
intonation are and pausing are often accent or variety
Pre- associated with common, concrete, or exchanges with
influenced by the inappropriate. Hesitations used is sufficiently
operational predictable work-related topics, but reasonable ease on
first language or or slowness in language intelligible for an
situations are not range is limited and the familiar topics and in
regional variation processing may prevent international
3 always well word choice often predictable
and frequently effective community of
controlled. Errors inappropriate. Is often situations. Generally
interfere with ease communication. Fillers users. May fail to
frequently interfere unable to paraphrase inadequate when dealing
of understanding. are sometimes distracting. understand a
with meaning. successfully when with an unexpected turn
linguistic or
lacking vocabulary. of events.
situational
complication or an
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unexpected turn of
events.
Pronunciation,
Can produce very short,
stress, rhythm, and
Shows only limited isolated, memorized Comprehension is
intonation are Response time is slow and
control of a few Limited vocabulary utterances with frequent limited to isolated,
Elementary heavily influenced by often
simple memorized range consisting only of pausing and a distracting memorized phrases
the first language or inappropriate. Interaction
grammatical isolated words and use of fillers to search for when they are
2 regional variation is limited to simple
structures and memorized phrases. expressions and to carefully and slowly
and usually interfere routine exchanges.
sentence patterns. articulate less familiar articulated.
with ease of
words.
understanding.
Pre-
Performs at a level Performs at a level Performs at a level Performs at a level
elementary Performs at a level below Performs at a level below
below the below the below the Elementary below the
the Elementary level. the Elementary level.
Elementary level. Elementary level. level. Elementary level.
1
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ICAO LEVEL – PRIVATE LESSON
Content
- You will receive detailed information about the format applied in the institution where you will take the
ICAO Level Exam.
- Afterwards, we will conduct a face-to-face or online study with exam simulation and feedback.
- During our lessons, you will have a chance to listen plenty audio recordings, learn how to answer aviation
related and personal questions and how to describe the pictures.
- You can reach us from the contact information below.
Zehra BUBEROĞLU
+90 530 101 70 09
[email protected]
www.instagram.com/icaolevel
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