ICAO Aviation English Exam

Every pilot of an aeroplane or a helicopter who holds an IR or flies VFR abroad, except Slovakia, is required to pass the language exam – ICAO English.

The exam is time-limited and the level of proficiency is assessed on a six-point scale of 0–6, where 0 is no proficiency and 6 corresponds to a native speaker. The minimum required proficiency level for a pilot is 4 (operational level).

The successful client will receive a certificate which must be delivered to the LAA or CAA to have the language competency enlisted in the licence.

Rules for the FCL.055 (a, b, c) exam

The exam assesses general English proficiency (pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency, interaction, comprehension) including grammar, proficiency in technical aviation English, ability to understand recordings and simulated communication between ATC and the pilot.

Examination outline

• Short introductory conversation
• Listening to the ATIS
• Decoding a simple NOTAM
• Listening to a recording – analysis of the situation
• Reading and explaining text from a regulation, aircraft manual or AIP
• Describing an aeronautical picture (aircraft and its parts, instruments, airport layout …)
• Simulation of communication between pilot and ATC (departure from uncontrolled/controlled airport, ATZ crossing, emergency communication …)

The exam takes approximately 25–35 minutes. We will tell you the result shortly after the exam.

We do not require a written test for the exam, only in case the client demonstrates knowledge between levels 4–5 and 5–6 after the oral exam.

If you fail, the exam can be retaken for 79 €, at the earliest in the next month, to give you time to prepare.

You can take the ICAO exam online.

Online exam procedures and necessary equipment

You must log in to the virtual classroom at least 5 minutes before the given and agreed time and wait for the examiner's acceptance. The content of the examination is the same as in the face-to-face form of the exam.

Required technical equipment

• Desktop computer or tablet with a camera with a resolution of at least 640 × 480 px, integrated or external microphone and a speaker. Unfortunately, a mobile phone cannot be used for the exam.
• The ZOOM app installed. Test your device before the exam at zoom.us/test.
• A good quality internet connection to enable video conferencing.
• Pen/pencil and clean paper.

Exam dates and times

Online exams take place on the same dates as face-to-face exams. We will inform you of your exam time in advance, or it can be arranged with the flight school dispatch.

Exam results

We will tell you the result shortly after the exam. If you pass, the electronically signed certificate will be sent to the email address provided. More information about the examination process and rules will be provided upon binding order.

The validity of the ICAO exam is based on the level achieved, according to the table below. The language endorsement is only valid once delivered to the LAA or CAA and enlisted in your pilot licence.

The ICAO exam can be booked with a refresh course that takes place before the exam (available only in classroom form). This 3-hour refresh course will take you through the content of what you should already know. We'll help you take the exam with ease.

The refresh course is not compulsory - it's up to you whether you need it or not.

If none of the ICAO exam dates listed here are suitable for you, we can also arrange an exam on an individual date just for you. The exam is online. The price is 240 €.

Book a date

If you hold a pilot licence issued by a foreign authority, or will apply for one, it's your responsibility to check with the relevant CAA that the exam conducted at our flying school will be accepted, and then give us notice at least 5 calendar days before the exam. If you fail to do so, you cannot be admitted to take the exam.

Because we love what we do.

• The exams are well organized and take up a minimum of your time.
• You will know the result immediately and receive a certificate of successful completion right away.
• Exams are available at Prague Letňany Airport in classroom form.
• You can take the exam online from the comfort of your home or office too.
• Individual and friendly attitude to each client, and many other advantages you'll appreciate.

We are looking forward to seeing you.