B747-800 Advanced
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
On descent into ZZZZ when calling for flap 1 we received a 'Flaps Drive' EICAS message. The expanded flap indicator showed that the inboard and midspan LE flaps were only partially out. We elected to discontinue the approach and attempt to resolve the problem. It was difficult at first for the Controller to understand or respond proactively to the fact that we needed time to work our issue. Once our transition from the approach was accomplished; I had the 2 FO (First Officer) work the problem while I flew the aircraft and continued to deal with the Controller. Throughout the process I had to dictate to the Controller my ATC instructions; including telling the Controller my own holding instructions. The FOs worked the problem with some assistance from [Maintenance]. The non-normal procedure and performance calculations were accomplished and we accomplished a flaps 25 landing per the non-normal checklist uneventfully. There were several instances where we had to speak to the Controller in Spanish to get the Controller to understand our situation; this could create a problem for future crews. For even though 2 of us spoke fluent Spanish it was distracting and confusing at times and added to our workload in this mountainous region.International bodies need to seek a higher standard to language procedures and competency by all involved worldwide.
B747 Captain reported receiving a 'Flaps Drive' EICAS message on arrival as well as communication difficulties with the Spanish-speaking Controller.