YVRtoYYZ From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 604 posts, RR: 0 Posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 816 times:
Is it possible to be a pilot and have a degree of colourblindness? I'm colourblind to a certain degree, yet still want to get some type of pilots license. Is it possible to even get a private pilots license (in Canada) and flying visual only? I've seen pilots with glasses many times and wondered if things have changed in that aspect. Thanks in advance!
SkyWestFan From United States, joined Apr 2004, 170 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 801 times:
I have heard, at least here in the US, that medical conditions can only defray you from flying if you can not show adequate performance. I have a friend with his Private and an Instrument ticket who has no depth perception. But as long as it does not adversely effect the job at hand (flying) there is no problem with it.
Id suggest trying, or talking with a higher ended official on it. Try a lesson and see if it effects your ability to fly.
YVRtoYYZ From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 604 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 769 times:
N766UA
Did you ever have to do that stupid Ichamura test (the one where you find the numbers in a bunch of dots) or have to put beads together to see how well they flow/match? Or was it simply looking at a light or object and saying what colour it is? What about purple and blue - do you have to be able to differentiate between those colours?
N766UA From United States, joined Jul 1999, 6708 posts, RR: 39 Reply 7, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 733 times:
YVRtoYYZ: For my medical I had to do the "number in the dots." Since I "failed" obviously, I had to get a waiver. At that point I just had a light gun shot at me from a parking lot and rattled off the color.
I don't know of much purple used in aviation, but as for light guns, no purple involved.
If God meant man to fly, He'd have given us bigger wallets.
N766UA From United States, joined Jul 1999, 6708 posts, RR: 39 Reply 11, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 694 times:
"Must wear corrective lenses" is my only restriction. I can fly day or night, VFR or IFR (when i get my instrument), and everything else a normal pilot can.
If God meant man to fly, He'd have given us bigger wallets.
YVRtoYYZ From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 604 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 684 times:
Wow...this news is the highlight of my day (and many months). I trust that regulations in Canada are similar to that of the US. Thanks N766UA, your insight and experiences have been extremely uplifting and encouraging!
One more thing, despite this hinderence (and yet freedom), are you eligible to fly commercially or cargo flights, or are you restricted to your private license only?
7574EVER From United States, joined Jan 2004, 478 posts, RR: 4 Reply 13, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 682 times:
YVRtoYYZ,
Not to worry. Yes, as N766UA stated, you can always just get the statement of demonstrated ability (SODA) by taking the signal light test. However, I would only recommend that as a last resort. Try to keep SODAs off your record if possible.
I'm not sure about Canada, but in the US there are a number of FAA approved color vision tests. Some tests are more difficult than others. Just because you can't pass one doesn't mean that you can't pass another. All you have to do is pass ONE of the alternate tests. Also, there is no limit on how many times you can take the test. Take it until you pass or keep taking different approved tests until you find one that you can pass.
These tests can be administered by your everyday eye doctor and s/he can fill out the FAA form stating that you've passed an alternate test. You will then mail it to the FAA and they will send you a waiver (not a SODA) stating that you have passed an alternate color vision test. You just have to have this waiver on you whenever you take a medical exam and you will never be bothered by another color vision test as long as you live.
Right rudder....Right rudder...Come on, more right rudder....Right rudder......Aw forget it, I quit!!
N766UA From United States, joined Jul 1999, 6708 posts, RR: 39 Reply 14, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 676 times:
According to my flight surgeon, a first class medical (needed to command transports) is entirely within my grasp. I plan on flying for the airlines as well as flying Navigator in the AF National Guard as a career.
If you need any more help, feel free to let me know. I'm no expert, but I am going through the whole process right now. It's tougher than people with perfect vision, but it's by no means impossible. Good luck!
(And yes, I trust Canada isn't far off from the US.)
If God meant man to fly, He'd have given us bigger wallets.
YVRtoYYZ From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 604 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 655 times:
Thanks guys...this is really encouraging. Too bad I'm too old now to go through the process and be flying commerically as a career. But nonetheless, it allows me to aspire for my private and go from there. Thanks!
Learpilot From United States, joined May 2001, 811 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (4 years 4 months 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 627 times:
I have the same problem as you, N766UA. I did the light gun test and was issued a SODA for color vision. The mistake I made was that I only had the SODA issued for a second class medical. When I needed to upgrade my medical to a first class, I took my SODA back to the FSDO and they typed me up a new one with first class on it. They didn't even make me do the light gun test again.
I now hold a first class medical with no restrictions. You should be able to, also.
Heed our warnings or your future will be underpant free!
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From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 604 posts, 
From United States, joined Apr 2004, 170 posts, 
. As long as you can tell red/green/white/amber on the light gun, you're fine. Just get the waiver.
From Mexico, joined Jun 2001, 574 posts, 
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