Anca Gosling

Director, Training Aviation Content and Development, Aeroclass

Anca Gosling is the Director of Content Development at Aeroclass, a unique training provider with a mission to provide quality, accessible, and affordable aviation training to professionals worldwide. Anca has over 13 years’ experience in designing, developing and delivering classroom, virtual and digital aviation programs. Prior to Aeroclass, Anca led the IATA portfolio of Airline Management, Aviation Law & Environment courses.

Anca is a regular guest speaker at aviation events such as Portugal Air Summit (2022), Training Conference, Harbin (2018), IATA Global Training Conference (2018), IATA Slots Conference Prague (2017), IATA Legal Symposium, Seoul (2015) etc. Over the years, she moderated more than 50 panel webinars and panel discussions on various aviation topics.

Anca holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master in International Affairs from The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), Geneva, Switzerland.

Training the Next Generation: Innovative Way to Learn Aviation English via 3D Images

There are no native aviation speakers. The terminology, acronyms and jargon we use in our industry is a mystery that we all learn. Coming from a non-English speaking background makes this learning even more difficult.

ICAO English Language Proficiency standards for pilots and air traffic control officers are well accepted worldwide, and have migrated into other roles, such as cabin crew, maintenance technicians and airline management.

But well-known deficiencies exist in the way language training is currently conducted. Trainee pilots often learn technical vocabulary from a flight instructor, who may not have skills or experience to be an effective language tutor. Some trainees are at a disadvantage if textbooks are their prime resource, because memorisation of terminology alone is not sufficient. Practice, interaction and challenge is required.

Newer methods for language training will use computer gaming techniques to immerse trainees in a virtual aviation environment. Freedom to explore and discover will allow trainees to acquire vocabulary, then interact with virtual mentors to practice their new terminology in realistic and challenging exercises. Targeted assessment scenarios will support the acquisition of vocabulary and provide a progressively challenging platform for trainees as their proficiency builds.

Sometimes considered superior to real life, these virtual training environments provide an opportunity for trainees to feel safe and supported, but also self-directed in their early learning. With permission to explore dangerous areas, trainees can also become familiar with safety protocols and situational awareness necessary for operational roles.

From the earliest flight simulators, aviation has used virtual training to mimic real life and provide a benign and less expensive way to repetitively practice key skills. With the rise of the Metaverse and artificial intelligence, virtual training environments are well-suited to act as a low-cost and more effective method to train proficiency in our fascinating but confusing aviation language.