RE: [ga] Aviation languages

[Esther Dyson <edyson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

okay, I can't resist....

A sophisticated French pilot was once quoted on the aviation language 
controversy.  here is what he said (in a delightful French accent):

"This whole argument is ridiculous. Of course you must speak English 
in the cockpit.  I would no more speak French in the cockpit than I 
would speak English in bed!"

Esther

At 05:36 PM 7/16/2007, Roberto Gaetano wrote:
> Jaap,
>
> >
> >     As far as I know English is mandatory.
> >
> > It is. And there is a protocol to switch to another languages
> > in case the parties desire.
> >
> > For more details, google for "aviation languages" and similar terms.
>
>
> <maybe off topic, or just borderline...>
>
> With all due respect, I made the statement about languages not because I
> *thought*, but because I *know* from personal experience that Italian can
> rightfully be used under certain circumstances by pilots while flying over
> the italian air space. Specifically, the use of italian is lawful for all
> VFR flights, that are still the vast majority of the flights where amateur
> pilots engage. And since it is the pilot who initiates the conversation, for
> instance with the control tower when still in parking position, there is no
> protocol needed: he/she chooses the language.
> Please have a look at the document of the National (Italian) Authority for
> Civil Aviation:
> http://www.enac-italia.it/documents/download/nor/Reg-Regole_Aria.pdf. This
> is updated as of 2006-10-03, and has clear text on paragraph 3.10 (in
> italian).
> Incidentally, this text is similar to the one used in different countries,
> simply because it is taken from the Annex 10 to the Convention on
> International Civil Aviation, issued by ICAO.
>
> I do acknowledge that English is, and will remain for the foreseeable
> future, *the* language used in international situations (like this list, for
> instance). But also that there are local situations (that also are here to
> stay for a while) where communication is done using local languages. I know
> that opinions vary about to which extent an international (common) language
> should be used vs. a national (local) language. Dutch and French, to quote
> an example.... ;>)
>
> Best regards,
> Roberto



Esther Dyson              Always make new mistakes!

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