Monthly membership available

New option for payment is just $7.99

July 1, 2022

Did you know that an AOPA standard membership, which includes your choice of magazine and access to our pilot hotline where we can answer all and any aviation questions you have, is just $7.99 per month?

Photo essay on Delaware State's Aviation program at Delaware State University

ASK AOPA

Clear communication

By Craig Brown

English is considered the international language of aviation

Q: What can you tell me about the “English Proficient” limitation on my pilot certificate?

A: Although it is under the limitations section of your pilot certificate, FAA calls English Proficient an endorsement. In March 2008, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) initiated a requirement that private, commercial, and airline transport pilot certificate holders with powered aircraft ratings who operate internationally have an airman certificate stating that the holder is proficient in the use of the English language.

The ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language is already a U.S. regulatory eligibility requirement, and has been for many years. English is the international language of aviation, and airman certificate holders worldwide must demonstrate a reasonable level of English proficiency to hold a pilot certificate. To comply with the ICAO requirement, the FAA Airman Registry began issuing all new certificates with the “English Proficient” endorsement on February 11, 2008.

The FAA started issuing the current plastic pilot certificates in July 2003. Since this was five years before the English Proficient endorsement requirement came to be, pilots who hold a plastic certificate issued between July 2003 and February 2008 likely do not have the English Proficient endorsement on their certificate. This is fine, as long as you are not planning to fly outside of the United States. If, however, you have plans to do just that, be sure your certificate includes the English Proficient endorsement.

If your certificate does not have the endorsement, you can request a replacement pilot certificate and pay the required $2 fee. This can be done online (faa.gov). Your new certificate will include the endorsement.

Craig Brown is a senior aviation technical specialist in the AOPA Pilot Information Center. [email protected]

With hundreds of thousands of members, AOPA is the central and premier resource for pilots and like-minded aviation enthusiasts who share a common passion for flight. We inspire, educate, and promote the freedom of flight through world-class media, products, services, and advocacy.

Our new monthly membership option is perfect for students and others starting their aviation journey. You receive a free magazine (Flight Training or AOPA Pilot); travel planning tools and exclusive discounts; safety and educational resources; access to the Pilot Information Center helpline; AOPA App and multimedia resources; exclusive member access to finance and insurance; free basic aircraft valuation reports (certain restrictions apply); and 10 percent member discount on AOPA Pilot Gear purchases, all for just $7.99 billed monthly. You can upgrade to membership with basic Pilot Protection Services (legal and medical) for $13.99. For $17.99 per month, Pilot Protection Services Plus provides enhanced premier benefits with maximum legal and medical coverage for pilots operating under ATP, commercial, flight instructor, or UAS Part 107 certificates, or those who want more coverage.

aopa.org/membership/monthly

Free memberships

AOPA is proud to offer youth aviators, aspiring aviation students, and members of the military a complimentary trial membership.

Digital or print magazine.
Free access to AOPA Flight Training Advantage (AFTA), a fast and cost-effective way to train for your private pilot certificate.
Free learn to fly special edition.
Student pilot helpline for one-on-one support and advice.
Flight Training weekly newsletter with training and safety tips, technique videos, and more.
Flight Training website with premium content.
Access to flight training scholarships and other financial resources.
Access to flight training college aviation directory.
Events and communities for student pilots.

This offer is only valid for first-time members and is limited to one AOPA Trial Membership. You must reside in the U.S. AOPA Trial Membership is available free for 3-months, a credit card and enrollment in automatic annual renewal is required at sign up and you will be charged for a full year of membership at $89 once your trial expires. 100% no risk trial – cancel at any time before the end of your trial to prevent charges.

aopa.org/membership