Pilot's Column

ICAO ELP —
From the Cockpit

Practical guides for the ICAO English Language Proficiency test, written by an active Boeing 787 First Officer based in Japan. Real exam tips, question breakdowns, and preparation strategies for non-native English speaking pilots worldwide.

Active B787 First Officer · Published weekly · English

← May 2026 →

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All Articles

Your AI Speaking Partner: How to Practice ELP Picture Descriptions with ChatGPT

TEA Part 1: Typical Interview Questions and How to Build Strong Answers

TEA Part 2 (2A, 2B, 2C): How to Handle the Listening Section

The ELPAC Test Explained: Paper 1, Paper 2, and How to Prepare

The TEA Test (Test of English for Aviation): Format, All 3 Parts, and How to Prepare

Renew Level 4 or Push for Level 5? How to Decide Before Your Next ELP Test

The Katakana Vowel Trap: The #1 Pronunciation Habit That Lowers ELP Scores (for Japanese Speakers)

“Say Again?” Is Not a Weakness — How to Ask for Repetition in the ICAO ELP

Emergency Evacuation in the ICAO ELP: What the Cockpit Crew Does and Why

cockpit crew emergency procedures EVAC

Minimum Fuel vs. Mayday Fuel — How to Explain the Difference in the ICAO ELP Exam

ATC fuel emergency ICAO ELP

“Tell It as Something That Happened Last Week” — How to Handle This ICAO ELP Instruction

exam technique grammar ICAO ELP

Aircraft Lights in English: Anti-collision, Strobe, Position — What to Say When the Examiner Asks

aircraft lights ICAO ELP picture description

Three Reasons an Active Pilot Is Seriously Aiming for Level 6

career exam preparation ICAO ELP

Sequence Pictures in the ICAO ELP: How to Tell the Story Clearly

exam technique ICAO ELP picture description

3 Ways Busy Pilots Can Maintain English Proficiency

English maintenance ICAO ELP Level 4

The ICAO ELP Written Exam (CBT): How Hard Is It Really?

CBT exam preparation ICAO ELP

What to Expect on ICAO ELP Exam Day: A Step-by-Step Guide

exam day ICAO ELP oral exam

The ATC Section of the ICAO ELP: What to Practice and Why

ATC communication exam preparation ICAO ELP

Picture Description in the ICAO ELP: A Simple Framework That Works

exam technique ICAO ELP picture description

How to Keep Your ICAO ELP Level 4 — And Why You Should Aim Higher

exam preparation ICAO ELP Level 4

ICAO ELP Level 4 vs 5 vs 6 Explained — Pilot’s Guide

aviation English exam preparation ICAO ELP