A Systematic Review of Aviation English Communication in Emergency Situations

Abstract

Communication in aviation emergencies requires sustained accuracy, but clarity can deteriorate when people resort to standardized phraseology that may need to change under pressure. This paper outlines recent literature examining how pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals use the English language within emergent and non-routine communication. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search identified 63 studies, of which 18 were assessed in full text, and 9 core empirical studies, supplemented by 9 foundational studies, were included in the final synthesis. The synthesis suggests that many of the problems encountered in communication are not merely a function of English ability but involve a mixture of language competence, professional knowledge, and cultural understanding. Both native and non-native speakers or operators can face problems when their language ability is not coordinated with their technical operational knowledge and situational response. This paper highlights the need for language training that focuses not only on technical skills but also on pragmatic and adaptive competencies in high-stakes communication. Achieving this balance is essential to improve preparedness, clarity, and safety in aviation emergency communications.