The purpose of this study was to analyze the face validity of the revised
EPTA to see if the tests actually contribute to the enhancement of aviation
safety. It was also intended to introduce advanced measures for overseas
aviation English tests as we...
The purpose of this study was to analyze the face validity of the revised
EPTA to see if the tests actually contribute to the enhancement of aviation
safety. It was also intended to introduce advanced measures for overseas
aviation English tests as well as internal and external development plans for
the tests. In order to achieve the above objectives, 103 pilot test takers were
surveyed, and nine in-depth interviewees were selected and interviewed.
In addition, detailed research results were derived by dividing the subjects
into the pilot's flight experience (31 captain pilots, 42 first officer pilots,
and 30 general commercial pilots).
The conclusions of the above study are as follows. Pilot test-takers
recognized that the revised EPTA was valid and helped to improve aviation
English learning and aviation safety because the content and composition of the
tests were properly implemented. Specifically, pilots with a career as first
officer had a higher facial rate than other pilots. This indicated that the
test was more appropriate because first officer pilots primarily perform
communication tasks.
The development of EPTA will require aviation English test personnel to
provide sample answers by grade to improve the reliability of test results.
In addition, the number of CBT test guides and sample tests will need to be
increased because captain pilots have poor understanding of computer-based
testing (CBT). To adjust test difficulty, it will be needed to increase the
proportion of part 1 and increase the response time of part 2. It is necessary
to establish a national standardized EPTA education program for general
commercial pilots or to hold regular aviation English seminars to raise
awareness of aviation English. It will also be necessary to expand the location
and time of the examination and to reduce the examination fee.
Regarding the introduction of the advanced aviation English test system,
such as JLTA (Japan), it is necessary to consider introducing the airline's
delegated EPTA evaluation and maintaining qualification above level 4 by
finishing EPTA ground lesson to reduce the burden of test takers and utilize
the airline's infrastructure. In addition, like RELTA (Australia), EPTA
questions should be provided in the form of actual pictures and photos of
cockpit and flight conditions to help test takers understand the test.