FAA clamping down on English?

[LDJones]

I received this e-mail which said in part:

FAAST Blast to all CFIs
Notice Number: NOTC4551


In accordance with FAA Notice N8900.204, which was effective 01/11/2013, we wish to inform you of your responsibility to identify any applicant for a certificate or rating who does not demonstrate the English language skill standards in accordance with 14 CFR regulations and FAA policy. You should report appropriate information about the airman to the nearest FSDO. The FSDO ASI will then take action in accordance with Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 5.

Discussion. Title 14 CFR parts 61, 63, and 65 address English language skills currently required for airman certification. Part 61 requires that pilots must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. The responsibility for ensuring applicants meet the English language eligibility requirements is shared by CFIs and GIs, part 141 and non-part 141 aviation pilot training schools, part 142 training centers, TCEs, DPEs, ASIs, and AMEs.

Consequences of Failing to Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements. Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may exercise the privileges of an airman certificate issued under part 61, 63, or 65 unless that person meets the English language proficiency requirements of those parts. If a person holding an airman certificate issued under these parts does not meet the English language proficiency requirements, the Administrator will take action to suspend, revoke, or reissue that person’s airman certificate; this action is permitted under Title 49 of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) § 44709.

The complete Notice can be found at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices and is available on FAASafety.gov at https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2013/Jan/N_8900_204.pdf

Unfortunately, neither of the links seems to be valid and using the search engine I can't find the actual order.

In any event, assuming this is in place, it raises as many questions as the memo seems to address. Does a heavy accent call into question "English language proficiency"? I have a student with a very heavy accent. She's incredibly smart, motivated and a great student, but English is a second language for her. She understands everything, never asks for things to be repeated and articulately asks intelligent questions, but with a heavy accent.

Does the FAA want me to report her?? :yikes:

 

[Jim Logajan]

IMHO I H8 FAA it shud MYIOB BC ...

I dunno wat is wrong wit everybody; I seen that even native Anglisch speakers is havin troubles; lucky I ain't one 'o dem:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ons-home-children-learn-standard-English.html