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July 1, 2022
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By Craig Brown

English is considered the international language of aviation

Q: What can you tell me about the “English Proficient” limitation on my pilot certificate?

A: Although it is under the limitations section of your pilot certificate, FAA calls English Proficient an endorsement. In March 2008, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) initiated a requirement that private, commercial, and airline transport pilot certificate holders with powered aircraft ratings who operate internationally have an airman certificate stating that the holder is proficient in the use of the English language.

The ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language is already a U.S. regulatory eligibility requirement, and has been for many years. English is the international language of aviation, and airman certificate holders worldwide must demonstrate a reasonable level of English proficiency to hold a pilot certificate. To comply with the ICAO requirement, the FAA Airman Registry began issuing all new certificates with the “English Proficient” endorsement on February 11, 2008.

The FAA started issuing the current plastic pilot certificates in July 2003. Since this was five years before the English Proficient endorsement requirement came to be, pilots who hold a plastic certificate issued between July 2003 and February 2008 likely do not have the English Proficient endorsement on their certificate. This is fine, as long as you are not planning to fly outside of the United States. If, however, you have plans to do just that, be sure your certificate includes the English Proficient endorsement.

If your certificate does not have the endorsement, you can request a replacement pilot certificate and pay the required $2 fee. This can be done online (faa.gov). Your new certificate will include the endorsement.

Craig Brown is a senior aviation technical specialist in the AOPA Pilot Information Center. [email protected]

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