PHONETIC AND PHONOLOGY STUDY: AVIATION SAFETY IS ON THE TIP OF THE TONGUE

Abstract

A large number of researches had been conducted in the subject of phonetic and phonology,
yet none of them had given a special concern on waypoint pronunciation. This research was
aimed to understand the consideration of phonetic and phonology in aviation industry
especially in air-ground communication. This research was also aimed to provide any
possible solutions to solve air-ground communication problem in terms of sound and
spelling. Air-ground communication is so important that miscommunication should be
anticipated. Miscommunication in air-ground communication may result a serious incident or
accident. A smooth air-ground communication will automatically promote the safe and
efficient conduct of flight. The research had found that there was a lack of awareness in
English sound and spelling within air traffic controllers in Makassar Air Traffic Service
Center. There are some factors which have resulted the condition such as the absence of
sound and spelling subject in the syllabus of the initial ATC training. Another factor is the
absence of labio-dental fricative sounds in Indonesian local language.