Sir - In reply to Eric Mowrey's letter (Flight International, 29 November-5 December, P51), I am an aviation professional and native English speaker, resident and employed abroad.
English has become the lingua franca of international aviation, but this does not excuse the attitude that non-native English speakers in the industry should communicate in that language only.
No one expects "Peter Ustinov with a spanner", but if Dutch or Malaysian engineers can speak typically three or four languages, why can't UK, US or Australian aviation people do so as well?
The rewards for those who learn a foreign language, in addition to the technical skills required of an engineer or pilot, can be rewarding. Perhaps aviation training schools should include such courses and aviation organisations institute revised pay scales, which adequately recompense people for acquiring foreign-language qualifications.
Source: Flight International
