This mixed-methods study investigated language anxiety among Korean military air traffic controllers (ATCOs) when communicating with native English-speaking pilots. The quantitative phase (N = 81) used hierarchical regression analysis examining relationships between individual characteristics and anxiety levels. The qualitative phase (N = 13) employed semi-structured interviews exploring controllers' experiences, anxiety triggers, and coping mechanisms. Results revealed that general communication anxiety (β = .69, p < .001) and English proficiency (β = -.28, p < .05) significantly predicted anxiety with American pilots, with psychological factors explaining 58.8% of variance. These findings suggest that language anxiety stems from broader communication apprehension rather than isolated linguistic difficulties. Qualitative analysis identified five themes: communication breakdown, technical factors, skills hierarchy, informal coping, and institutional gaps. Overall, the study indicates that language anxiety in military ATC contexts is complex, influenced by individual psychological traits, situational demands, and organizational factors. It contributes to a deeper understanding of professional language anxiety in safety-critical contexts and provides evidence-based recommendations for aviation English training reform.

Aviation safety is critically dependent on effective communication, particularly in the English language, which serves as the international language of aviation. This paper explores the significance of proficient English language communication among aviation professionals and its impact on operational safety. Effective communication in aviation involves various factors such as lack of accent, perfect listening skills, effective hearback and readback procedures, and more. Additionally, English language efficiency in aviation is closely related to emotional stability and the ability to manage stress, both of which are crucial in highpressure environments. The research will also look into the regulatory challenges faced by the aviation industry in standardizing and enforcing language proficiency requirements by the International Civil Aviation Organization and other international institutions. Through a thorough review of existing regulations, industry practices, and case studies, this paper highlights the steps taken to improve communication skills among pilots, air traffic controllers, and other key aviation professionals.

One year has already passed since the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) language proficiency requirements (LPRs) test was implemented in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the military air traffic controllers’ (ATCs) perceptions and their needs on English Proficiency Test for Aviation (EPTA) test. To do that, the results were compared with civilian ATCs’ perceptions which were analyzed by Shin and Kim (2005). A total of 60 active duty Air Force ATCs participated in the survey process. The questionnaire was composed of 27 items including 23 multiple choice and 4 open-ended questions. All results were discussed in the following categories: general perception of the EPTA, specific needs for military ATCs and test preparations. The results showed that gaps still exist among ICAO LPRs, the current EPTA test, and military ATCs’ specific needs. It was suggested that, to make more customized aviation English tests in the Korean ESP field as well as to meet the ICAO LPRs, it is necessary for all relevant governmental organizations, language test groups, and test experts to continuously pay attention to test-takers’ practical and specific needs.

This study deals with the overall meta-cognitive aspects of ATC-Pilot miscommunications pertinent to cognitive human errors based on the previous literature research which it has been focused on the issue of the global aviation English use in regard with aircraft accident and incident. Especially, it addresses the concern over the ICAO aviation English language proficiency evaluation program which will be implemented globally in March, 2008. In addition, It presents the analysis related to the on-going English language proficiency level four test conducted for Korean civil airlines pilots and air traffic controllers.