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

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 wasaimed to understand the consideration of phonetic and phonology in aviation industryespecially in air-ground communication. This research was also aimed to provide anypossible solutions to solve air-ground communication problem in terms of sound andspelling. Air-ground communication is so important that miscommunication should beanticipated. Miscommunication in air-ground communication may result a serious incident oraccident. A smooth air-ground communication will automatically promote the safe andefficient conduct of flight. The research had found that there was a lack of awareness inEnglish sound and spelling within air traffic controllers in Makassar Air Traffic ServiceCenter. There are some factors which have resulted the condition such as the absence ofsound and spelling subject in the syllabus of the initial ATC training. Another factor is theabsence of labio-dental fricative sounds in Indonesian local language.