G. Kozlova, A. Kozlova

English for Aviation Personnel. Listening course

Tapescripts

Introduction

 1

Aviation English

Aviation is changing faster now than ever. “English for Aviation Personnel” is a new Aviation English course which reflects this global change.

Learning Aviation English is very like going on a journey. You have to know what your professional language is like and what kinds of questions you can be asked. You need to learn how to answer the various kinds of questions well and what dangers to avoid.

You are trained not only to read and speak efficiently but also to become more proficient and secure in the face of unknown language, and unexpected situations. It means having enough confidence and enough of the language to express your ideas as best you can even when you don’t know the exact word for something, trying to paraphrase, negotiate for meaning, find synonyms and say in other words. The goal is to ensure, as far as possible, that you have sufficient proficiency in the language to handle any situation, routine or non-routine.

We hope you have an enjoyable and safe trip and reach your final destination with a feeling of success and confidence needed for efficient and safe communication.

Part I English in Aviation communication

Unit 1. Aviation: past, present, future

 2 Exercise 1.

Dreams take flight

The year 2003 marked the 100^th anniversary of the birth of controlled human flight. On 17 December 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright Flyer became the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled flight with a pilot on board. That was the first time in history that a piloted aircraft incorporating a proven three-axis control system made unassisted take-offs from level ground under its own power.

The 1903 Flyer, the first powered aircraft built by Wilbur and Orville Wright, was the culmination of experimental work that began in 1899 and included tests of kites and manned gliders, extensive wind tunnel research and much mathematical calculation.

The Flyer was designed as a powered aircraft and, except for a few minor items and components, was entirely the work of the Wright Brothers, including the powerplant and propellers. Its three-axis control system was developed and proven on the gliders built by the Wrights.

The 1903 Flyer was the first prototype of a powered and controllable aeroplane. It made only four flights before it was damaged and placed in storage, but achieved its aims and demonstrated the soundness of its concept.

All suc­cessful aeroplanes since that milestone of 1903 have incorporated the basic design elements of the first powered aircraft devel­oped by the Wright Brothers.

Since the Wrights first flight our world and our solar system have been transformed by aircraft. The world has changed. Flight brings the world closer together: faraway places are more accessible, therefore more familiar; “global” becomes “local”; overnight deliveries don’t cause problems; there is easy exchange of cultural representatives, such as government officials and artists.

 3 Exercise 2.