What are the vision requirements to become a pilot?

Learn about FAA standards for visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception and how color blindness, glaucoma, cataracts, and vision correction surgeries affect pilot eligibility.

What are the general vision standards for pilots?

Pilots must meet specific vision standards for different classes of FAA medical certification (Class 1, 2, or 3), depending on their intended flying activities (airline transport, commercial, or private).
Visual acuity, depth perception, peripheral vision, and color vision are evaluated.
Corrective lenses, including glasses or contact lenses, are acceptable if they bring vision within required limits.

First-Class Medical Certificate (Airline Transport Pilots)

Distant Vision: Must be 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Near Vision: Must be 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, at a distance of 16 inches.
Intermediate Vision (for pilots aged 50 and above): Must be 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, at a distance of 32 inches.
Color Vision: Must be able to perceive aviation-related colors, such as red, green, and white, necessary for reading navigation lights and cockpit displays.

Second-Class Medical Certificate (Commercial Pilots)

Distant Vision: Must be 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Near Vision: Must be 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, at a distance of 16 inches.
Color Vision: Must be able to perceive colors required for safe flying, similar to the requirements for a First-Class certificate.

Third-Class Medical Certificate (Private Pilots)

Distant Vision: Must be 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Near Vision: Must be 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, at a distance of 16 inches.
Color Vision: Must be able to perceive colors needed for flight safety, although the standards are less stringent compared to First and Second-Class certificates.

How does color vision impact a pilot’s ability to qualify?

Pilots must demonstrate the ability to correctly perceive aviation-related colors, critical for reading navigation lights and cockpit displays.
Those with color vision deficiencies may face restrictions but can attempt alternate testing methods to qualify.
The FAA does not accept corrective lenses like X-Chrom lenses or yarn tests for color vision correction, but successful passing of computer-based color vision tests may remove restrictions.

Can you be a pilot if you are color blind?

Yes, you can be a pilot if you are color blind, but there are certain restrictions and additional steps you may need to take. However, you generally can not hold a commercial pilot license if you are red / green color blind, because the FAA requires pilots to demonstrate the ability to perceive aviation-related colors, such as red, green, and white, which are important for reading navigation lights, runway signals, and cockpit instruments. If you fail the standard color vision test during your medical exam, you may receive a color vision restriction on your certificate, limiting you from flying at night or where color signal recognition is essential.

However, pilots with color vision deficiencies can attempt alternate color vision tests approved by the FAA. If they pass one of these tests, they may have the color vision restriction removed. For example, there are computer-based or operational flight tests designed to determine if a color-deficient pilot can safely identify the required colors in a practical setting. If you successfully pass these tests, you may be able to obtain a medical certificate without restrictions related to color blindness.

In summary, being color blind doesn't automatically disqualify you from becoming a pilot, but you will need to demonstrate that your condition doesn't compromise aviation safety through FAA-approved tests.

Can pilots with vision in only one eye still qualify?

Pilots with useful vision in only one eye may still be eligible for certification after a six-month recovery period and demonstration of safe flight capability.
Specific medical evaluations are required, and the FAA must issue prior clearance.
Medical flight tests may be necessary for advanced certificates, allowing monocular pilots to qualify for commercial or airline transport certifications.

Yes, pilots with vision in only one eye, a condition known as monocular vision, can still qualify for a medical certificate and continue flying, but they must meet specific FAA requirements. To qualify, the pilot must demonstrate that they have adequately adjusted to the loss of binocular vision and can safely perform flight duties without compromising aviation safety.

The process typically involves the following steps:

Six-Month Recovery Period: After losing vision in one eye, there is generally a six-month waiting period to allow the pilot to adapt to monocular vision. This helps ensure the pilot can compensate for the loss of depth perception and other visual cues related to binocular vision.
FAA Clearance: The pilot must obtain FAA clearance through an evaluation process. This includes submitting a detailed Report of Eye Evaluation (FAA Form 8500-7), completed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, confirming the stability of the condition.
Medical Flight Test: To demonstrate the ability to fly safely with monocular vision, the FAA may require the pilot to undergo a medical flight test. This test assesses the pilot's ability to compensate for the loss of depth perception and other visual functions.
Class of Certification: Pilots with monocular vision can qualify for all classes of medical certification (First, Second, or Third) if they successfully complete the evaluation and demonstrate the necessary compensatory skills. With sufficient flight experience and passing the medical flight test, they may also pursue advanced ratings or certifications, such as commercial or airline transport.

In summary, pilots with monocular vision can still qualify to fly, but they must go through a rigorous evaluation and testing process to ensure they can compensate for the loss of vision in one eye and maintain safe flying practices.

How do glaucoma and cataracts affect pilot eligibility?

Pilots diagnosed with glaucoma can qualify if their condition is stable and meets FAA standards, using a CACI (Conditions AMEs Can Issue) worksheet.
Cataracts can impair flight safety, particularly at night. After cataract surgery or treatment, pilots must provide proof of stable visual acuity and recovery without complications.
Regular eye exams and close monitoring are essential for maintaining certification with these conditions.

Glaucoma and cataracts can affect a pilot's eligibility to hold a medical certificate, but both conditions can be managed in many cases, allowing pilots to continue flying under certain guidelines.

Can you be a pilot with Glaucoma?

Impact on Eligibility: Glaucoma, which causes increased pressure in the eye and can lead to vision loss, is a concern because it can affect peripheral vision and overall eye health.
FAA Standards: Pilots with glaucoma may still qualify for a medical certificate if the condition is well-managed. The FAA has implemented the CACI (Conditions AMEs Can Issue) process, which allows Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) to issue medical certificates for glaucoma without needing direct FAA approval, provided that the pilot's condition is stable.
Requirements: Pilots with glaucoma must provide medical documentation from their treating physician using a CACI Glaucoma Worksheet. The AME will review this information during the pilot’s FAA medical exam to ensure that the pilot’s vision and eye pressure are controlled, and there are no serious complications that would pose a flight safety risk.

Can you be a pilot with Cataracts?

Impact on Eligibility: Cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye’s lens and can impair vision, particularly at night or in low-light conditions, may disqualify a pilot if left untreated. Symptoms like glare, halos, and loss of contrast sensitivity can significantly affect a pilot's ability to safely operate an aircraft.
FAA Standards: Pilots diagnosed with cataracts are generally advised to undergo treatment, such as cataract surgery, if the condition affects their ability to meet FAA vision standards.
Post-Surgery Requirements: After surgery to remove cataracts, pilots must demonstrate stable vision by providing a Report of Eye Evaluation (FAA Form 8500-7) completed by their eye care specialist. If the surgery is successful and vision is restored to meet the required standards, the medical certificate can be issued without restrictions. Multifocal or accommodating intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery are allowed if the pilot can meet vision standards after a stabilization period, typically three months post-surgery.

In summary, both glaucoma and cataracts can affect a pilot’s ability to meet FAA medical standards, but with proper management, treatment, and documentation, pilots can often maintain or regain their eligibility to fly. Regular eye exams and ongoing monitoring are crucial to ensuring vision stability and flight safety.

Can you be a pilot with contact lenses or intraocular lenses?

Pilots with intraocular lens implants (for cataracts) or using contact lenses must meet FAA standards for vision stability post-procedure.
Multifocal or accommodating lenses are allowed, but pilots must provide evidence of stable vision three months post-surgery.
Certain contact lenses, like color-tinted or those with reduced light transmission, are not acceptable for flying purposes.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Intraocular lenses are commonly implanted after cataract surgery or to correct other vision issues. The FAA allows the use of IOLs, including multifocal and accommodating lenses, for all classes of medical certification under certain conditions:

Post-Surgery Recovery: Pilots must wait for a stabilization period, typically three months after the surgery, to ensure that their vision is stable and free of complications like glare, halos, or visual distortions.
Documentation: After the procedure, the pilot must provide a completed FAA Report of Eye Evaluation (Form 8500-7) from their eye care specialist. This report must confirm that the pilot’s visual acuity meets the required standards for their medical certificate class and that there are no significant side effects.
Vision Standards: The pilot must meet the FAA’s vision standards for distant, near, and (for First-Class certificates) intermediate vision after the IOL implantation.

Contact Lenses

The FAA also allows pilots to use contact lenses, with some specific guidelines:

Single Vision (Distance Only) Contact Lenses: Pilots can use these contact lenses, provided they meet the vision standards required for their class of medical certificate. They must be able to correct their vision to the required level for flying without any complications.
Multifocal or Bifocal Contact Lenses: Pilots can use these lenses but must have worn them for at least one month to ensure adaptation. A completed FAA Eye Evaluation Form must confirm stable vision without significant side effects, such as glare or halos.
Monovision Contact Lenses: These lenses, which correct one eye for near vision and the other for distance, are not acceptable for aviation purposes. The FAA requires each eye to meet the vision standards individually for flying.

In summary, pilots with intraocular or contact lenses can qualify for FAA medical certification as long as their vision meets the required standards after surgery or lens use, and they provide the necessary medical documentation to confirm their visual stability and the absence of significant side effects.

Are pilots allowed to undergo vision correction surgeries like LASIK or PRK?

Most FDA-approved refractive surgeries (e.g., LASIK, PRK) are accepted by the FAA, provided pilots recover fully without significant side effects like night glare or halos.
A stabilization period of up to six months may be required for some procedures, especially if monovision correction is used.
A completed FAA Form 8500-7 (Report of Eye Evaluation) must be submitted to the FAA after the procedure to confirm healing and visual stability before resuming flight duties.

Yes, pilots are allowed to undergo vision correction surgeries such as LASIK or PRK and still qualify for FAA medical certification, provided they meet certain post-surgery requirements.

What eye surgery does the FAA allow?

The FAA accepts most FDA-approved refractive surgeries, including:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): This procedure reshapes the cornea to correct vision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea but uses a different technique.
Other procedures: Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) and conductive keratoplasty (CK) for farsightedness are also allowed.

Post-Surgery Requirements

Stabilization Period: After surgery, pilots must wait for a stabilization period, typically four to six weeks, but sometimes up to six months, to ensure that their vision has fully healed and stabilized. During this period, pilots must meet the vision standards for their medical certificate class while wearing corrective lenses if necessary.
No Significant Side Effects: Pilots must demonstrate that there are no adverse effects from the surgery, such as glare, halos, or haziness, which can impact flight safety, particularly at night.
Documentation: Pilots must submit a Report of Eye Evaluation (FAA Form 8500-7) from their ophthalmologist or optometrist, confirming that healing is complete, visual acuity meets FAA standards, and there are no significant side effects from the surgery.
Monovision Correction: If the surgery results in monovision correction (one eye for distance and the other for near vision), the FAA requires a six-month adaptation period, and pilots must wear corrective lenses to meet the vision standards for flying during this time.

Resuming Flight Duties

Once a pilot's vision has stabilized, and they meet FAA standards, they can resume flying. The FAA may issue the medical certificate with or without restrictions depending on the outcome of the surgery and vision evaluation. A medical flight test might be required in rare cases where complications arise.

In summary, pilots can undergo LASIK, PRK, and other vision correction surgeries, but they must wait for recovery, meet vision standards, and provide documentation of successful healing before returning to flying duties.