ICAO Technical Problem Picture Description – ICAO Aviation English Technical Situations

ICAO Technical Problem Picture Description

ICAO Technical Problem Picture Description focuses on aviation situations involving aircraft technical issues. You may be shown a picture with smoke, engine problems, landing gear issues, maintenance activity or an aircraft stopped due to a malfunction. You must describe the situation clearly and explain the possible operational consequences.

Related ICAO pages

What is a technical problem picture description?

You are shown an aircraft experiencing a technical issue. You must describe what you see, identify the problem and explain what may happen next. The examiner is listening for clear communication, aviation vocabulary and logical explanation.

Technical problem pictures may include:

engine smoke
engine fire
landing gear problem
hydraulic issue
aircraft stopped on taxiway
maintenance crew near aircraft
fuel leak
flat tire
bird strike damage
emergency vehicles responding

What the examiner wants to hear

clear description of the aircraft
identification of the technical issue
location of the problem
airport activity around the aircraft
possible safety risk
logical explanation of events
possible operational outcome

Simple structure for technical problem description

Suggested structure

1. Overview: describe the general scene
2. Aircraft position: where the aircraft is
3. Technical problem: describe the malfunction
4. Response: vehicles, crew, airport action
5. Outcome: possible consequences

Useful opening phrases

This picture shows an aircraft with a technical problem.
The aircraft appears to have an engine issue.
There seems to be smoke coming from the engine.
The aircraft is stopped on the taxiway.
This appears to be a maintenance or emergency situation.

Technical problem vocabulary

Engine and mechanical problems

engine smoke
engine fire
engine failure
technical malfunction
mechanical problem
hydraulic issue
system failure
abnormal indication

Aircraft condition

aircraft stopped
aircraft parked
aircraft taxiing slowly
aircraft surrounded by vehicles
aircraft being inspected
maintenance in progress
crew checking the aircraft

Emergency response

fire vehicles approaching
emergency response
airport fire service
ground crew assisting
inspection team
safety precaution

Common ICAO technical problem pictures

engine smoke during taxi
landing gear not fully extended
aircraft stopped after landing
maintenance vehicle near aircraft
emergency vehicles on taxiway
aircraft inspection on apron
technical delay before departure
aircraft diverted due to problem

Example technical problem description

This picture shows an aircraft experiencing a technical problem. The aircraft is stopped on the taxiway, and there appears to be smoke coming from one of the engines. This may indicate an engine malfunction or possible overheating. I can also see emergency vehicles approaching the aircraft, which suggests that the airport fire service is responding. The crew may have reported the issue after landing or during taxi. In this situation, the aircraft will probably remain in position while the problem is inspected. This could lead to a delay and possible passenger disembarkation if necessary.

Language for cautious explanation

There appears to be a technical issue.
The aircraft may have an engine problem.
This could indicate a malfunction.
The crew might request assistance.
The aircraft may need inspection.
This situation could cause a delay.

Mistakes to avoid

only naming the problem
not describing aircraft position
ignoring emergency response
speaking too briefly
not explaining consequences
using overly complex grammar

Important: In ICAO technical problem descriptions, clear communication is more important than advanced vocabulary. Focus on identifying the issue and explaining its operational effect.