LiveATC Discussion Forums

Air Traffic Monitoring => Listener Forum => Topic started by: eddiel on March 16, 2005, 05:31:14 PM

Title: French on Montreal feed
Post by: eddiel on March 16, 2005, 05:31:14 PM

Forgive me if this has been asked and answered; I'm new to the forum. I was listening to the Montreal feed and was surprised to hear commands been given in French. I had thought English was the international language for ATC. Is this a special situation in Quebec, and is it based on pilot's preference which language to use?

Thanks for a great website.

Title: French on Montreal feed
Post by: Lexxx on March 16, 2005, 07:12:19 PM

Quote from: eddiel

I had thought English was the international language for ATC. Is this a special situation in Quebec, and is it based on pilot's preference which language to use?

Pilots are permitted to use French in Quebec if they wish.

English is the "recommended" language of aviation by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

It is not a mandatory thing.

Title: true
Post by: rool4ever on March 20, 2005, 01:32:56 AM

True, I live in Quebec and my dad works for ICAO. No such rule. Its actually pretty cool to hear this feed as its the only one where people will speak french compared to the other ATC feeds in Canada