U.S. Extends ICAO English Proficiency Deadline Until March 2009

March 6, 2008 — The International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) English language proficiency requirement went into effect this week, March 5, but the United States informed ICAO it has extended its compliance date a year, to March 5, 2009. The new rule requires private, commercial, and airline transport pilots with powered aircraft ratings; flight engineers and flight navigators; and control tower operators to have a certificate verifying proficiency in the use of the English language.

The U.S. extension will provide sufficient time for all affected U.S. airman certificate holders to comply with the ICAO requirements. The ability to read, speak, write, and understand English is already a U.S. regulatory eligibility requirement, and the FAA Registry began issuing all new certificates with this endorsement on February 11, 2008.

Certificates that are ordered as regular replacement certificates will include the endorsement. You can order a replacement certificate online. (There is a $2 fee for replacement airmen certificates.) Pilots who request temporary authority or verification of their airman certificate will not have the English proficiency endorsement until the replacement certificate has been requested and the $2 fee paid. For questions, contact the Airmen Certification Branch at 866-878-2498.