Hi there, Unfortunately my vision isn’t very good in my right eye, I see 20-400 (legally Blind). That would be a big problem about getting a license unfortunately wouldn’t it? or can there be exceptions? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
@PeterE1959,
If you are in USA the short answer, yes you can get a certificate. I’m sure other countries have them as well.
More info:
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources/health-conditions/vision/monocular-vision
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HI Hester, Yes I’m in the USA.
Hi @PeterE1959. I am identical to you. I have 20-400 in my right eye and have had my PPL, 3rd Class Medical since 2004. The key is to obtain a SODA - Statement of Demonstrated Ability. This is a mini-check ride of sorts where an FAA check pilot will fly with you and write you off as competent to fly - At least that’s how it was when I received mine. The SODA sticks with you for life so each time you go for your medical, you show the SODA and it enables you to “pass” the vision section.
I struggled through so many medicals until one AME suggested this and it was a game changer for me.
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Years ago I tried to get into the service (Air Force) but I was rejected by the surgeon general I believe that’s the title of the person that rejected me. That was about 30 years ago…
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I would suggest you check the website of the applicable government aviation authority in your country rather than rely on answers from such forums. First step would be to contact an aviation medical examiner and make an appointment.
The requirements for professional flying are far more strict than for a PPL. Many many people can get a PPL. Don’t let anything hold you back.
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Thanks guys for your help and information…
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I have another question, I went to the FAA site to lookup an examiner in my area. What type of medical examiner do I need? It has about 6-8 different type of medical examiners in the USA…Can anyone that’s in the USA can help me find the right medical examiner? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Just for some further general information, you might watch the MS/Asobo video interview with the one-eyed Japanese pilot that’s conducting an around the world flight. He had some good points on working with the appropriate agencies to get cleared. He actually also has a whole series of YouTube videos in addition to the one he did with MS.
Regards.
Any AME should be able to set you up, you’re looking for a 3rd class medical certificate.
Although great advice can be given here, please don’t follow up based on here. The best way is to schedule an appointment with an aeromedical center near you and get an answer from a FAA/ICAO/local authority certified medical examiner
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Ok, Thanks @AwesomeBlack533 and Thanks @PablodNinja , I’m sorry I didn’t want to cause a problem.
No problems. Just giving my advice like very one else here
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CPL is not much of a leap from PPL so hold your horses my friend.
Type ratings on jets and multi engines is where the going gets tough, but I certainly wouldn’t downgrade a PPL since less than .01% of people on the planet have one.
Here is where you can find one in your area. You basically need an AME: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/
Not really sure what you’re driving at
Not really sure what you’re driving at. I encourage a guy to press on, and you tell me not to ‘downgrade’ a PPL. I think you misunderstood my post.
I’m saying, he should go to the AME, get his physical, find out if his vision is going to be a limitation and what options he has to work through that. I’m not ‘downgrading’ anything. I’m telling him not to assume that the things that restricted him from military flight are going to restrict him from PPL… In short, ‘go for it’.
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If you’re in doubt just go and take the medical. You’ll find out.
I have a monocular vision clause on my UK PPL. It means that I can only fly in the UK. if I want to fly outside the UK I have to get permission from the jurisdiction in which I want to fly. I also need to carry a safety pilot for negative g maneuvers.
FAR Part 67.303:
§67.303 Eye.
Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:
(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/40 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.
(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.
© Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.
(d) No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying.
All that said, as others mentioned you could try for a waiver.