Aviation English Course | ICAO Level 4 & FCL.055 Online

Aviation English

Online aviation English course with a native teacher

Break Into English aviation English classes are taught one-to-one over video, with a native teacher you keep from start to finish. They start from your licence, your flying, and the ICAO level you need, whether for a first test or a renewal.

The ICAO test does not only check standard phraseology. It assesses whether you can understand and be understood in plain English when things go off-script: a technical failure, a diversion, a sick passenger, deteriorating weather. Spoken English is what makes the difference.

That is why the classes focus on speaking and listening: you do most of the talking, through flight scenarios and picture descriptions, and your teacher corrects what matters for the test. Before you start, take our free English level test.

The Break Into English method

How the aviation English classes work

Classes follow a dynamic method focused on speaking and listening. Your teacher combines several activities based on your goal and, if useful, uses our General English textbooks.

Oral presentations
You prepare an account of a flight or an incident and present it to your teacher.
Listening activity
You summarize a short audio clip, then summarize it again using the new vocabulary, and get used to different accents.
Picture description
You describe a photo of an airport or a cockpit, then describe it again using 3 to 7 new words.
Grammar in practice
Grammar is practiced out loud, based on your own mistakes, with no fill-in-the-blank drills.

Sample 45-minute class

10 min · Your flight

You describe a recent flight, phase by phase.

15 min · Listening and summary

You work on comprehension with an audio clip.

20 min · Non-routine situation

You handle a failure played by your teacher, then go over your mistakes.

Course length and schedule before the test

Course length depends on your starting level and the ICAO level you need. To make fast progress, we recommend at least 2 hours of class per week, with some listening practice between classes.

Classes last 30, 45, or 60 minutes and are booked in packs of 5 to 40 sessions. You can step up the pace in the weeks before your test.

Classes run 7 days a week and can be canceled for free up to 6 hours before, so you can fit them around flights and rosters.

English for pilots: the ICAO language proficiency requirement

Since 2008, ICAO has required pilots and air traffic controllers on international operations to hold at least Level 4 in the language used for radio communication.

Six criteria

Pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and interaction. Your level is your lowest score.

Phraseology and plain English

The test covers standard radio phrases and the plain English you need when a situation is not routine.

FCL.055 for EASA pilots

In EASA countries, the requirement is set out in FCL.055 of the Aircrew Regulation.

Typical test tasks

Radio listening, interaction with a controller, picture description, and an interview on aviation topics.

ICAO levels and how long they are valid

ICAO rates six criteria on a scale from 1 to 6. Your level is your lowest score. Validity below follows EASA rules (FCL.055).

ICAO level	Validity (EASA)	What it means
1 to 3: Pre-elementary to Pre-operational	—	Not enough for international operations
4: Operational	4 years	The minimum for international flights
5: Extended	6 years	Often expected by airlines
6: Expert	No retest	No further renewal needed

Your level must stay valid throughout your career: plan your renewal before it expires.

Aviation English course content

Your teacher builds each class around your licence and target level. Every situation is practiced out loud, in role-play.

Pronunciation and the ICAO alphabet
Numbers, letters, call signs, and frequencies said clearly and without hesitation.
Radio comprehension
Listen to messages in different accents, note the key information, and read back.
Flight scenarios
Describe each phase of a flight, from taxi to landing, and talk to ATC.
Non-routine situations
Explain a failure, a medical emergency, or a diversion in clear, simple English.
Picture description
Describe a photo of a cockpit, an airport, or the weather and explain what it means for the flight.
Fluency and interaction
Speak more smoothly, rephrase, ask for confirmation, and stay in control of the exchange.

Not sure where you stand? Take our free English level test.

Aviation phraseology in English: key terms

A few terms and messages you will hear on the radio, each with a sample sentence you will practice in class.

Term	Meaning	Sample sentence
Readback	Repeating an instruction to confirm it	“Readback correct, climb flight level one two zero.”
Clearance	Permission from ATC	“Request clearance to enter controlled airspace.”
Squawk	Set a transponder code	“Squawk seven zero zero zero.”
Hold short	Stop before a runway or point	“Hold short of runway two seven.”
Go around	Abort the landing and climb	“Going around, will report downwind.”
Say again	Please repeat	“Say again your last transmission.”
Mayday / Pan-pan	Distress / urgency call	“Pan-pan, pan-pan, passenger feeling unwell.”
Divert	Fly to another airport	“We would like to divert due to weather.”
Wilco	Understood, will comply	“Wilco, report on final.”
Unable	Cannot comply	“Unable to comply due to icing.”

The test also checks your English beyond these phrases: the classes train you to go further.

ICAO English test preparation: how to get ready

Our classes prepare you for the language, not the test procedure. Your level is awarded by your authority or an approved language assessment body.

Assess your level
In the free trial class, your teacher assesses your spoken English and your weakest ICAO criteria.
Train with your teacher
You work on those criteria every week, through scenarios and picture descriptions.
Book your test
You book the test with your authority or an approved center when you are ready.
Keep your level valid
You plan your renewal before your level expires.

Native teachersOne-to-one video classes7 days a week

Aviation English course pricing

from €14.38

per class, in packs of 5 to 40 sessions. Your first 30-minute class is free. The ICAO test fee is not included.

One-to-one classes, an intensive course, or an app?

Format	How it works	Speaking practice
App or self-study platform	Exercises and AI drills on your own	Limited
Short intensive course	Many hours at once, often right before the test	Yes, over a short period
One-to-one classes with Break Into English	A live native teacher, 7 days a week, free cancellation up to 6 hours before	Yes, every week, over time

Book my free trial class

Aviation English training for teams

We train flight schools, flying clubs, and airlines with one-to-one classes: one native teacher per person and schedules that fit flight rosters. 64 companies already trust Break Into English.

See training for companies Request a quote

Reviews of our online English classes

Break Into English

4.9Out of 5 stars

Overall rating out of 39 Google reviews

Verified by

Selma LEMDEWAR
a week ago

Giuliana Dall'Antonia
a month ago

Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit meiner Englischschule und insbesondere mit meiner Lehrerin Bakara. Sie gestaltet die Lektionen interessant, lernfördernd und abwechslungsreich – es macht richtig Spass, Englisch zu lernen! Man merkt, dass sie mit Herz bei der Sache ist und auf individuelle Bedürfnisse eingeht. Break Into English ist absolut empfehlenswert für alle, die ihre Englischkenntnisse effektiv und mit Freude verbessern möchten.

Gregory Benabu
a month ago

Un grand merci à Carmen, qui est vraiment géniale : très patiente, à l’écoute et toujours motivante. Les leçons sont ludiques, interactives et parfaitement adaptées au niveau de notre fils. Il progresse rapidement, tout en prenant plaisir à apprendre. Nous recommandons fortement Break Into English — c’est l’idéal pour progresser en anglais facilement et dans la bonne humeur !

Svetlana Kupriyanchik
a month ago

I've had a wonderful experience learning English at this school! The program is well-structured, engaging, and truly helps you improve naturally and confidently. All the teachers are highly professional and supportive, always creating a welcoming and motivating atmosphere. I want to give special thanks to Gabu Ithier – she is an outstanding teacher! Her energy, patience, and ability to explain even the most complex things in a clear and fun way made every class a joy. I’m incredibly grateful for the progress I’ve made with her help. Thank you to the entire team – I’m so glad I chose this school!

Théophile Robertaud
a month ago

Ivan Magnusek
Edited a month ago

Marie-Jo Golovine
a month ago

L'équipe prend le temps de trouver le prof idéal qui correspond à vos souhaits, à vos besoins et votre profil. Au début, ma fille a "testé" plusieurs professeurs qui ne l'ont pas satisfait (fuseau horaire et difficulté à trouver un horaire commun, méthode du professeur qui ne correspond pas à l'enfant, etc.), mais au bout de 4 professeurs on nous a enfin trouvé la perle rare et ça fait maintenant 3 ans que nous avons toujours le même professeur pour notre fille de 14 ans, et sa sœur de 12 ans a aussi commencé avec ce professeur il y a plus de 6 mois. Les progrès en anglais des deux enfants sont incroyables. Nous sommes ravis ! De plus le fait de pouvoir s'entendre sur les horaires avec les professeurs, qu'ils soient flexibles est un plus.

Fatimazahra Hdid
a month ago

Jimena C.
a month ago

Break Into English offers excellent one-on-one online lessons with skilled native-speaking teachers who tailor each session to your needs. Their professional approach make learning both effective and enjoyable. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to improve their English confidently and efficiently.

Sam Louwman
3 months ago

I've been taking classes with Break Into English for a while now, and it's honestly one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. All the teachers I've worked with are native speakers, super professional, and really good at adapting lessons to what I need What I love most is how personalized everything feels, it's not just a generic course. The classes are structured but flexible, and I can see real progress in my speaking and confidence. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants serious, high quality English lessons with great teachers

Olena Vrublevska
a month ago

This has been the best experience I’ve ever had — I truly enjoy every lesson with Kirstyn, and we’ve been having them for the past two years already (Wow!)!

Emma
a year ago

I can recommend. Staff are attentive and supportive. Break Into English is hearing to student's needs. What's more, I'm extremely satisfied with the quality of the courses' content. It was possible to make real progress thanks to the particular course.

Karenina Alvarenga (Karen)
a year ago

I took 5 classes with Krystin and she was very kind, gentle and helpful.It was an excellent approach to the learning process.

azadeh djalili
6 years ago

Great teachers & method

FAQ about ICAO English and our aviation English course

How much does the aviation English course cost?

One-to-one classes start at €14.38 per class, in packs of 5 to 40 sessions. Your first 30-minute class is free. The fee for the ICAO language proficiency test itself depends on the authority or test center.

Does Break Into English run the ICAO English test?

No. The test is run by your licensing authority or an approved language assessment body. Break Into English helps you improve your spoken English, listening, and radio fluency before you take it.

What is ICAO Level 4?

Level 4, called Operational, is the minimum ICAO English level for pilots and air traffic controllers on international flights. Your overall level is the lowest of your six scores: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and interaction.

How long is my ICAO level valid?

Under EASA rules (FCL.055), Level 4 is valid for 4 years and Level 5 for 6 years, while Level 6 does not need to be retested. Check the rules of your own licensing authority if you fly under another system.

How long does it take to reach Level 4 or Level 5?

It depends on your starting level. We recommend at least 2 hours of class per week. Take our free level test or trial class to see where you stand.

Can student pilots take the course?

Yes. There is no minimum level. Your teacher starts with clear pronunciation of numbers and the ICAO alphabet, then works on listening and interaction.

Do the classes cover radiotelephony phraseology?

Yes, using your own material: radio recordings, charts, and procedures. The test mostly assesses plain English beyond standard phraseology, so the classes focus on clear, spontaneous English in non-routine situations.

Do I learn American or British English?

Both. Your teacher gets you used to the accents you will hear on the radio, native and non-native, so comprehension stops being an obstacle.

Do you train flight school or airline teams?

Yes. We train teams with one-to-one classes: one native teacher per person and schedules that fit flight rosters. Request a quote from our page for companies.

Aviation English Course: Online Lessons for ICAO Level 4 and FCL.055

Free aviation English trial class

Online aviation English course with a native teacher

How the aviation English classes work

Oral presentations

Listening activity

Picture description

Grammar in practice

10 min · Your flight

15 min · Listening and summary

20 min · Non-routine situation

Course length and schedule before the test

English for pilots: the ICAO language proficiency requirement

Six criteria

Phraseology and plain English

FCL.055 for EASA pilots

Typical test tasks

ICAO levels and how long they are valid

Aviation English course content

Pronunciation and the ICAO alphabet

Radio comprehension

Flight scenarios

Non-routine situations

Picture description

Fluency and interaction

Aviation phraseology in English: key terms

ICAO English test preparation: how to get ready

Assess your level

Train with your teacher

Book your test

Keep your level valid