Technical review: Tim Hittinger, Language Proficiency Examiner (A-126-LPE)The difference in short
Italian pilots say “fonia inglese”; in its Information Notes, ENAC (the Italian Civil Aviation Authority) calls it the qualification for radiotelephony in English (abilitazione alla radiotelefonia in lingua inglese). It is not the same as the Language Proficiency required by FCL.055. Here they are side by side:
| Aspect | English RT | Language Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The qualification to use radiotelephony in English | The assessment of your English language proficiency |
| Key references | ENAC Information Note NI-2022-005 | FCL.055 (Regulation (EU) 1178/2011) and ENAC Information Note NI-2020-027 |
| What it checks | Radio procedures and phraseology in English, in theory and in practice | How well you communicate in English, rated on the six criteria of the ICAO rating scale |
| How you get it | Course, COM INGLESE theory exam at ENAC, practical test with a flight examiner | Speaking test with a language examiner at a Language Testing Body or an authorised centre |
| On your licence | English RT entered on the licence (ENAC calls this “trascrizione”) | Endorsement showing language, level and validity date |
| With GAT | No: you get it through a flight school (ATO or DTO) and ENAC | Yes: online test, Levels 4–6, with LTB 112 |
The key point: for aeroplanes and helicopters, Language Proficiency is one of the requirements for English RT, not an alternative to it. Our test covers language proficiency only – one building block of the route, not the whole route. If you do not have English RT yet, you still need the course, the COM INGLESE exam and the practical test.
What is English radiotelephony (“fonia inglese”)?
It is the qualification that allows you to use radiotelephony in English – for example with ATC when you fly abroad. If your qualification is currently in Italian only, you need to extend it before you can use English on frequency.
The route is set out in ENAC Information Note NI-2022-005 of 10/03/2022, «Conseguimento dell’abilitazione alla radiotelefonia in lingua inglese» (“Obtaining the qualification for radiotelephony in English”). It includes a theory part with the COM INGLESE exam and a practical part with a flight examiner. ENAC sums it up like this on its clarification page:
«[…] è possibile ottenere l’abilitazione alla radiotelefonia in lingua inglese procedendo con la materia teorica COM INGLESE, effettuando poi, un esame pratico simulato a terra e quanto previsto per il Language Proficiency (che tuttavia non è richiesto per alianti e palloni).»
Our translation: “[…] you can obtain the qualification for radiotelephony in English by taking the theory subject COM INGLESE, then a practical exam simulated on the ground, and what is required for Language Proficiency (which, however, is not required for gliders and balloons).” ENAC, “Chiarimenti sulla radiotelefonia e sul language proficiency check” (23/05/2024, in Italian) – enac.gov.it
Note the last part: “what is required for Language Proficiency” is part of the route. This is where the ICAO assessment comes in.
What is Language Proficiency?
Language Proficiency is the requirement set out in FCL.055. Pilots of aeroplanes, helicopters, powered-lift aircraft, airships and gyroplanes who communicate by radio must have a language proficiency endorsement on their licence – in English or in the language used for radio communication – showing the language, level and validity date. The minimum is Level 4.
It is not a test of radio procedures. A language examiner assesses how well you communicate in English, both in phraseology and in plain language: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. In our test, for example, you read back two ATC instructions – but what counts is how you understand and repeat them, not how much you know about procedures.
Your level decides when you need to be assessed again:
- Level 4: reassessment after 4 years;
- Level 5: reassessment after 6 years;
- Level 6: no periodic reassessment.
Why do you need at least Level 4 for English RT?
Because ENAC says so. Information Note NI-2020-027 on language proficiency links the two explicitly:
«La trascrizione sulla licenza di volo della radiotelefonia in lingua inglese potrà avvenire solo dopo aver superato almeno il Language Proficiency Check livello 4.»
Our translation: “Radiotelephony in English can only be entered on the pilot licence after passing at least a Level 4 Language Proficiency Check.” ENAC, Information Note NI-2020-027, § 4.1 (in Italian) – enac.gov.it (PDF)
Section 1 of the same note already describes Level 4 as «il livello di competenza minimo necessario per coloro che conseguono una licenza di pilotaggio con abilitazione alla radiotelefonia» – the minimum level for anyone obtaining a pilot licence with a radiotelephony qualification.
In practice, for an aeroplane or helicopter licence: without at least Level 4, English RT is not entered on your licence – even if you have passed COM INGLESE and the practical test. And the other way round: Level 4 on its own does not give you English RT.
What do you need if…
Look up your situation in the table; further down, we explain the main cases in ENAC’s own words.
| If you… | Radio qualification (RT) | Language Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| hold a PPL with Italian-only RT and want English | Yes: course, COM INGLESE and simulated practical test | Yes, in English, at least Level 4 (aeroplane and helicopter) |
| are a student pilot | Depends on the RT language in your course – ask your school | Yes, at least Level 4, if you want English RT on your licence |
| are working towards a CPL, ATPL, IR or BIR without English RT | The COM 090 subject covers the theory; the practical part in flight remains | Yes, in English; for the IR, before the rating is endorsed |
| already have English RT and your level is about to expire | Already on your licence | Yes: new assessment and LPR renewal application to ENAC (validity and renewal) |
| want to use German, French, Spanish or another language on the radio | ENAC says a Language Proficiency Check «è sufficiente» (is sufficient) | Yes, in that language, at an LTB authorised by an EASA country (we test English only) |
| fly gliders or balloons and want English RT | Yes: COM INGLESE and practical test | No: ENAC does not require it |
| are an Italian citizen flying VFR and using Italian only | No extension needed | No test: ENAC does not require Italian citizens to have Language Proficiency in Italian |
Summary of the ENAC sources quoted on this page. If your case is unusual, ask your flight school or use the ENAC contacts for flight crew licensing .
English RT with a PPL: how do you add it if you only have Italian RT?
Do you hold an aeroplane or helicopter licence with radiotelephony in Italian only? For English RT, NI-2022-005 sets out these steps:
- Radiotelephony course in EnglishAt a flight school (ATO or DTO).
- COM INGLESE theory examAt ENAC: the note says Direzione Aeroportuale, today called Direzione Territoriale (regional office).
- Practical testBriefing and a «terra/bordo/terra in lingua inglese» simulation – ground/air/ground in English – lasting at least 30 minutes with a flight examiner (FE/CRE/IRE/TRE).
- Language Proficiency Check, at least Level 4At a Language Testing Body: this is the step you can take with us, online.
- Application to ENAC by PECUsing the ENAC form «Domanda Trascrizione Abilitazione alla Radiotelefonia in Lingua Inglese», with the required documents and a payment of 32 € for the reprint of your licence.
This is what ENAC requires for the entry on your licence:
«Ai fini della trascrizione della radiotelefonia in lingua inglese, il candidato dovrà inviare via pec al protocollo dell’Enac (protocollo@pec.enac.gov.it): domanda presente sul sito dell’Enac; prova dell’esame teorico effettuato presso la Direzione Aeroportuale; verbale dell’esaminatore per la prova pratica; pagamento di 32 euro da effettuare sul sito dell’Enac, tramite i servizi online, per la ristampa della licenza.
In aggiunta, i titolari di licenza di velivolo ed elicottero dovranno presentare il Language Proficiency Check effettuato presso un Body Language qualificato EASA; tale attestazione non è richiesta per i titolari delle licenze di aliante e di pallone.»
Our translation: “For radiotelephony in English to be entered on the licence, the candidate must send by PEC to ENAC’s registry (protocollo@pec.enac.gov.it): the application form available on the ENAC website; proof of the theory exam taken at the Direzione Aeroportuale; the examiner’s report on the practical test; payment of 32 euros, made on the ENAC website via the online services, for the reprint of the licence. In addition, holders of aeroplane and helicopter licences must present the Language Proficiency Check taken at a language body qualified under EASA rules; this certificate is not required for holders of glider and balloon licences.” ENAC, Information Note NI-2022-005, § 5 (in Italian) – enac.gov.it (PDF)
To send the application, you need a PEC address (Italian certified email). You pay via ENAC’s online services . ENAC then reprints your licence. Our ENAC endorsement guide explains how to prepare a PEC application.
Our advice: take the ICAO assessment early on. If your English is already at Level 4 or above, that is one thing less to worry about. If it is not there yet, you have time to prepare while you do the course.
Are you a student pilot? When do you need the ICAO test?
It depends on how your school organises radiotelephony in the course. If you are aiming for a licence with English RT, the same rule applies: English RT can only be entered on your licence with at least Level 4 (NI-2020-027, § 4.1). Ask your flight school which language the radiotelephony part is in and when you need the certificate.
If your licence will have radiotelephony in Italian only, you can add English RT later via the route described above.
You can take our test as a student pilot too: we adapt the tasks to your stage of training, and instead of the ATIS messages you hear a short story and answer two questions. Try a free sample
Working towards a CPL, ATPL or IR?
If you are studying for a professional licence or an instrument rating, the COM 090 subject already covers the theory for English RT. ENAC explains:
«Se non ha la fonia inglese, la materia COM 090 dell’ATP,CPL,IR e BIR copre la parte teorica. E’ poi necessario effettuare il Language Proficiency Check e la parte pratica in volo.»
Our translation: “If you do not have English RT, the COM 090 subject of the ATP, CPL, IR and BIR covers the theory part. You then need to take the Language Proficiency Check and the practical part in flight.” ENAC, “Chiarimenti sulla radiotelefonia e sul language proficiency check” (in Italian) – enac.gov.it
For the IR there is one more point: FCL.055 requires instrument rating holders to demonstrate proficiency in English, whatever language they use on the radio. You do not necessarily need the certificate at the skill test, but you must have it before the IR is endorsed:
«Al momento dello skill test/proficiency check IR il candidato può non essere in possesso di valido certificato di competenza della lingua inglese a livello 4, ma sarà tenuto a conseguirlo e presentarlo prima dell’annotazione dell’abilitazione IR sulla licenza (qualora questa venga richiesta senza restrizioni).»
Our translation: “At the IR skill test/proficiency check, the candidate may not yet hold a valid Level 4 English language proficiency certificate, but must obtain it and present it before the IR is endorsed on the licence (if it is requested without restrictions).” ENAC, Information Note NI-2020-027, § 4 (in Italian) – enac.gov.it (PDF)
When a CPL or ATPL is issued, and for a first IR, the application goes to ENAC’s Direzione Personale di Volo (Flight Crew Directorate), not to the regional Direzione Territoriale – and that is where you attach your Language Proficiency certificate. On a professional career path, the open Level 4–6 test makes more sense: if your English allows it, you get Level 5 (reassessment after 6 years) or Level 6 (no periodic reassessment).
Want to use another language on the radio?
If you fly abroad and want to use the local language on the radio – German, French or Spanish, for example – ENAC provides a simpler route:
«Per tutte le altre lingue (spagnolo, francese, tedesco, rumeno ecc.) è sufficiente effettuare un Language Proficiency Check presso un LTB (Language Testing Body) regolarmente autorizzato da un Paese del sistema EASA.»
Our translation: “For all other languages (Spanish, French, German, Romanian, etc.) it is sufficient to take a Language Proficiency Check at an LTB (Language Testing Body) duly authorised by a country of the EASA system.” ENAC, “Chiarimenti sulla radiotelefonia e sul language proficiency check” (in Italian) – enac.gov.it
Please note: on this website we only offer the assessment in English. For another language, you need an LTB that assesses that language.
And Italian? On the same page, ENAC writes: «Ai cittadini italiani non viene richiesto il Language Proficiency in italiano» – Italian citizens do not need Language Proficiency in Italian. If you are not an Italian citizen and want to use Italian on the radio, you need a Language Proficiency Check in Italian instead.
Do you fly gliders or balloons?
For glider and balloon licences (SFCL and BFCL), ENAC does not require a Language Proficiency Check for English RT. NI-2022-005 says so – «tale attestazione non è richiesta per i titolari delle licenze di aliante e di pallone» – and the clarification page repeats it. You still need COM INGLESE and the practical test.
If you also hold an aeroplane or helicopter licence, FCL.055 applies to that licence.
Need a Language Proficiency Check in English?
Online ICAO English test, Levels 4–6, with a real examiner: about 30 minutes, certificate within 24 hours. For your English RT application, for the IR or for your renewal.
FAQ: English RT and Language Proficiency
Does the ICAO test give me English RT?
No. The ICAO test certifies your language proficiency. English RT is a separate qualification: a course, the COM INGLESE exam at ENAC and a practical test with a flight examiner, as set out in NI-2022-005. For aeroplanes and helicopters, a certificate of at least Level 4 is one of the documents you submit to have English RT entered on your licence.
Should I take the COM INGLESE exam or the ICAO test first?
For the entry on your licence, ENAC asks for all the documents together: proof of the theory exam, the report on the practical test, the payment and, for aeroplanes and helicopters, the Language Proficiency Check. You can take the ICAO test early on: you will know straight away whether your English is at least Level 4 and, if needed, you have time to prepare. Preparing for the ICAO test
Level 4 is already on my licence. Can I speak English on the radio?
Not if your radiotelephony qualification is in Italian only. The endorsed level proves your language proficiency; English RT has to be entered on the licence separately, after COM INGLESE and the practical test. Check your licence to see whether radiotelephony in English is entered on it.
I fly gliders. Do I need the ICAO test for English RT?
No. For glider and balloon licences, ENAC does not require a Language Proficiency Check to enter English RT on the licence (NI-2022-005, § 5). You still need COM INGLESE and the practical test.
Does your certificate count for adding English RT to my licence?
Yes, as the Language Proficiency Check and under the conditions published by ENAC: it is one of the documents for the application, but you still need the course, COM INGLESE and the practical test. NI-2022-005 asks for a Language Proficiency Check «presso un Body Language qualificato EASA». Our test is run with LTB 112, certified and supervised by Austro Control GmbH (Austria, an EASA member state). Since 30 August 2022, ENAC has accepted online tests by LTBs approved by EASA member states, under the conditions it has published. The final decision on the endorsement rests with ENAC. All the details
Sources
- ENAC, Information Note NI-2022-005 of 10/03/2022, «Conseguimento dell’abilitazione alla radiotelefonia in lingua inglese» (in Italian) – enac.gov.it (PDF)
- ENAC, «Chiarimenti sulla radiotelefonia e sul language proficiency check» (last updated 23/05/2024, in Italian) – enac.gov.it
- ENAC, Information Note NI-2020-027 of 30/07/2020, §§ 1, 4 and 4.1 (in Italian) – enac.gov.it (PDF)
- ENAC, “Language Proficiency Requirements” page (online tests since 30 August 2022, in Italian) – enac.gov.it
- ENAC, pilot application forms (Modulistica piloti, in Italian) – enac.gov.it
- ENAC, online services (payment of fees) – enac.gov.it
- Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, Annex I (Part-FCL), FCL.055 – EUR-Lex
- Austro Control GmbH: lists of Language Testing Bodies, tests and examiners – austrocontrol.at
This page summarises the rules in plain language and does not replace the official sources: the ENAC texts and EU regulations are authoritative. The translations from Italian are ours. The final decision on the language proficiency endorsement and on the entry of English RT rests with ENAC.