This thesis is a reflection upon the notions of linguistic norm(s) and usage(s) within the domain of Air Traffic Control. This domain provides a prime example of an established linguistic norm: that of “phraseology”, the controlled language used between pilots and controllers to optimise and secure their most frequent communications. If pilots and controllers do not speak the same language, the phraseology used is then based on English. Whenever the limits of phraseology are reached, pilots and controllers revert to a more natural form of language which has only recently been described in this domain: plain language. However, several problems relating to the implementation of plain language and phraseology have been identified by professional Aviation English teachers. To meet the needs of the French civil aviation university (ENAC), a survey of the different uses of the English language by French controllers and international pilots is presented. The method of analysis consists in a comparative study between two corpora: one representing the prescribed norm and the other corresponding to real pilot-controller communications. This comparative analysis allows the description and categorization of the different types of languages used on the frequency in air navigation typical situations. Some differences are found between the two corpora. Depending on the situation, pilots and controllers’ messages can indeed vary from a lexical, semantic or syntactic and discursive point of view. Some variations reflect the influence of natural language on the speakers while others can be considered as a strategy to “humanise” radiotelephony communications.
