What language do they use for international air traffic control?
Asked by
Mamradpivo (
9665)
August 15th, 2009
from iPhone
For example, if a pilot is flying from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro, does he have to speak both Russian and Portugese? What about the languages for all the countries in between whose airspace he’s flying through? Do they all just learn English?
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9 Answers
English is the international language so I would assume that that’s what they’d speak.
Latin.
That’s how scientists communicate, no?
Classical or ecclesiastical?
English, or as this site puts it:
“Since clear and rapid communication is vital, commercial air pilots and air traffic controllers around the world are generally expected to speak English. Regional air traffic controllers may use their native language when they communicate with fellow citizens, but they also need to be able to talk with pilots from other countries. By dictating a universal language for aircraft control, all countries can be assured that air travel is smooth and safe for all.”
English, with the exception of “Mayday!”, which in French is “M’aidez!” or “Help me!” in the formal tense.
Yup, it’s English. I live in China and here it is also required that all pilots have a certain basic profeciency in English.
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