EUROCONTROL ELPAC
ELPAC preparation for pilots and air traffic controllers
ELPAC is EUROCONTROL's aviation English test, with separate versions for controllers and for pilots. It consists of a listening paper marked by computer and a speaking paper rated by two assessors. The candidate's level is the lowest of six scores.
ELPAC in summary
- Paper 1 Listening, 45 items
- Paper 2 Speaking, about 20 minutes
- Assessors Two, present in the room
- Versions Air traffic control and pilot
- Levels reported 3 to 6
- Final level The lowest of six scores
Format
The two papers
The description below follows EUROCONTROL's own. The speaking paper has the same structure for pilots and controllers, while the listening paper differs between the two versions.
Paper 1: Listening
Paper 1 has 45 items and is marked by computer. The controller version has four parts and the pilot version five. Candidates identify what is happening in radiotelephony recordings and answer multiple-choice questions on short and longer pieces of audio.
Main difficulty: following a non-routine exchange at the speed of a working frequency, and avoiding answers that are nearly but not entirely correct.
Paper 2: Speaking
Paper 2 lasts about 20 minutes and is conducted live and recorded, with two assessors present: an English language expert and an operational expert. It consists of three tasks.
- Task 1: standard phraseology, followed by an unusual situation on the frequency
- Task 2: the description of a picture, followed by hypothesising and problem solving
- Task 3: a conversation about aviation topics in general
Each of the six descriptors is rated separately, and there is no compensatory marking, so a 5 in one descriptor cannot raise a 4 in another. If the two assessors disagree, a third assessor reviews the recording and that decision is final.
Results
The 2026 results
EUROCONTROL publishes the distribution of scores across all the organisations that use ELPAC. The figures below cover tests completed between January and 15 June 2026.
| Result | Pilots (703) | Controllers (767) |
|---|---|---|
| Below Level 4 | 15% | 16% |
| Level 4 | 44% | 19% |
| Level 5 | 28% | 42% |
| Level 6 | 12% | 23% |
Two controllers in three reached Level 5 or above, compared with four pilots in ten. Pilots who remain at Level 4 must also take the test more often. The implications are discussed in our article 44% of pilots who sat ELPAC in 2026 stopped exactly at Level 4. Source: EUROCONTROL, ELPAC results.
Preparation
Our preparation for ELPAC
Lessons are given one to one on Zoom and are planned around the two papers.
- Listening practice for Paper 1 with recorded radiotelephony containing non-routine content, at the speed of a working frequency
- The change from phraseology to plain English on which Task 1 is based
- Picture description, hypothesising and problem solving for Task 2
- Conversation practice on the aviation topics that arise in Task 3
- An ELPAC-format mock test, marked against all six descriptors, before your test date
For training departments
For air navigation service providers, airlines and flight schools, we provide group programmes with placement testing, a common syllabus and progress reports for the training manager.
Questions about ELPAC
Is there an ELPAC for pilots?
Yes. ELPAC has a pilot version and an air traffic control version. The speaking paper has the same structure in both, and the listening paper has five parts for pilots and four for controllers.
What level do I need?
Level 4 is the minimum for international radiotelephony. ELPAC reports Levels 3 to 6.
Who rates the speaking paper?
Two assessors, one an English language expert and the other an operational expert. If they disagree, or if the candidate appeals, a third assessor reviews the recording and that decision is final.
Where can I take ELPAC?
ELPAC is run under licence from EUROCONTROL by organisations such as air navigation service providers, airlines, authorities and training organisations. The test is normally arranged by your employer or school. We are not a test centre, and we provide preparation for the test only.
How long is an ELPAC result valid?
The period is set by the licensing authority. Under EASA rule FCL.055 and the rules of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, pilots are re-assessed every four years at Level 4 and every six years at Level 5, and Level 6 is not re-assessed. Controllers under Regulation (EU) 2015/340 are re-assessed every three years at Level 4, every six years at Level 5 and every nine years at Level 6. The date shown on your own licence is the one that applies.
Can I appeal a result?
Yes, through the test centre, if circumstances outside your control, such as noise, prevented you from showing your true level, or if the test was not conducted in accordance with ELPAC guidelines. A third assessor then reviews the recording.
How long does ELPAC preparation take?
This depends on your starting level and on how often you can study. As a rough guide, a candidate at a sound Level 3 aiming for Level 4 needs about two months, and a candidate moving from Level 4 to Level 5 three to five months. A mock test in the first week or two gives a far more reliable estimate than any average.
ELPAC preparation
Arrange a free placement interview
Please state whether you are a pilot or a controller, the level you require and the date of your ELPAC test. We reply to every enquiry by email, normally within one working day.
- Based in London, United Kingdom, with tuition online worldwide
- Hours By arrangement, in any time zone