The “Aviation English Assessment – Quick Reference Handbook” is a preparatory course for the ICAO test in proficiency in the English language.
The “Quick Reference Handbook” is divided into Sections just like the ICAO Test and focuses on the Six ICAO Proficiencies: Pronunciation; Structure; Vocabulary; Fluency; Comprehension; and Interactions. Throughout the course the student will hear male and female native speakers and radio communications from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania so as to train their ear to understand different accents. Standard ICAO phraseology is used throughout the course.
Firstly, It has a quick overview of the test, the places where you can do the test, and looks at a Model Test similar to the one on the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) website. Next it examines the grammar structures required to pass the test: describing your job; talking about past situations; plans for the future; hypothetical situations; talking about experiences; reported speech; how to compare three different situations; prepositions and vocabulary for emergency procedures and checklists. There are also grammar exercises for you to test your understanding.
Next the course works on building up vocabulary by studying the causes, consequences and procedures for all the situations included in the test: fuel problems; weather conditions; decompression; tail-strike; ditching; problems controlling the aircraft; collisions; birds; fire and smoke; security risks; runway excursion; system failure; dangerous goods; and medical emergencies. Each situation is examined through the use of real life videos so you can use actual examples in your answers when you do the test. Once again there are exercises to test your understanding.
It then goes on to study how best to respond to the questions in "Part I: Aviation Topics" which evaluates fluency. There are a total of forty-nine questions covering all the areas in the test. These are divided into seven categories: experience; aircraft and routine; career; training; flight safety; abnormal situations; the future and weather.
Next the QRH has a general overview of phraseology, it explains the international phonetic alphabet and standard ICAO numbers. It then explains how to complete "Part II: Interacting as a Pilot" which tests for interaction and "Part III: Emergency Situations" which assesses comprehension. A total of ten model tests are included in the course along with questions and answers.
Lastly it explains Part IV of the test "Picture Description and Discussion" which assesses fluency. The course includes a picture description technique which will ensure you do well in this part of the test. There are ten different photo descriptions included in the course along with questions and answers.
The Quick Reference Handbook focuses on techniques to pass any aviation English test, and more specifically the Brazilian ICAO test, the Santos Dumont English Assessment, administered by ANAC, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority, however pilots from all over the world have used the material to prepare for language tests throughout Latin America and Asia. Its aim is not to teach Aviation English but how to pass an aviation English test. The material in the course will be updated in accordance with any future changes to the test.
In the last twelve months over 90% of students that passed the “Quick Reference Handbook” course were also successful in the ICAO Test, 13% of them reached Level 5.
There are several ways to do the course:
You can do an online VIP intensive course with virtual classes using Skype or WhatsApp. This course lasts for 20 hours and means you don’t need to leave the comfort of your own home to guarantee a pass in the test. The course is based around the “Quick Reference Handbook”. If you do the VIP intensive course then access to the online course is included in the cost.
The most popular course is the online course, which is a web application, and can be accessed at www.icaoqrh.com, the student studies by themselves. The course is based around the “Quick Reference Handbook”. This course includes all the material listed above including audio recordings for the questions and answers for Part I, the situations for Part II and III and descriptions of the pictures from Part IV so you can train your answers.
You can also do virtual classes via Skype or WhatsApp. The course is based around the “Quick Reference Handbook”. It’s possible to do just one class in the format of a simulation before doing the real test, or you can buy a package of ten classes to guarantee you give your best in the test. Class times are flexible to meet your needs.
The free mobile applications that show the first part of the course have been extremely popular with over 4,000 downloads in over 70 countries.
Pricing and Availability:
Access to the course is charged on a monthly basis. Access is BRL$100 per month.
In order to access the site the first step is to complete the registration process, then select the course you would like to study and lastly make the payment. If you pay by "Paypal" you will be registered on the course automatically for 31 days.
Site renewals are not automatic. After 31 days you will be asked if you wish to renew your subscription. If you do not wish to continue you will not be penalised in any way.
Recommendations
“Of all the ICAO English courses I’ve done this was the one that allowed me to reach the operational level. Thank you so much.”
Régio Alexandre Ferreira, Commercial Pilot
“The course that I did with Mr. Colin passed my expectations by a mile. With cohesive content, real examples and perfect teaching Teacher Colin managed to transfer his English language knowledge (it’s his mother tongue) in a clear and precise manner, identifying all my weaknesses. This is what made the difference so that I was able to get ICAO Level 5 at the first attempt. Even though I’d lived in the USA for three years before doing the course with Mister Colin my technical knowledge, vocabulary and understanding improved a lot. One week with Mr. Colin made all the difference. In my opinion Mister Colin’s course is essential for any pilot who wants to revalidate and improve their grade or for those who dream of ICAO 5 Plus. His teaching approach and the way he shows you how to study are exceptional!! Well done teacher.”
Gabriel Ferreira, Commercial Pilot
“Thanks to Mr Colin’s coaching I was able to get ICAO Level 5 at the first attempt. The teaching material, the test strategy and the whole learning experience are essential for you to prepare for the ICAO Santos Dumont Test. I 100% recommend his course! Thanks teacher!!!.”
Felipe Dutra, Commercial Pilot
You can read the full feedback about the course from students here: www.icaoqrh.com/recommendations.
Video
The following video shows how the course works:
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