The Ups and Downs of Learning and Using English: Aviation Students’ Voices

Abstract

Proficiency in English has become the standard language in the international aviation industry. To avoid accidents, all aviation personnel needs to communicate in English. The communication skills of aviation personnel should be developed during their studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate aviation students' successes and challenges in learning and using English. Six aircraft maintenance students from three different aviation schools in Malaysia participated in the study. Using a qualitative research design, the study collected information from open-ended interviews and document analysis gathered from online postings. The data were analyzed thematically and managed using ATLAS. ti software. Overall, the results showed that students experienced more successes than challenges in learning English. There were three themes categorized under successes and challenges: opportunities, feelings, and progress. The results could help course module developers and language teachers create modules that meet the needs of aviation students.