Amblyopia

88MPH

88MPH

Addicted voyeur
I have a lazy right eye, and it's crystal clear, but due to lack of depth perception, I can't read anything below the 2nd line on the chart ... i.e. something like 20/200. However, I went through OKC and the local FSDO and acquired a SODA, clearing me for a 1st class medical, which I've had since my PPL. I am now at the Comm/IR level, and have had ZERO issues or complications due to my eye.

But I'm concerned now. Based off RPM's recent post of an AE interview ...

http://forums.jetcareers.com/showthread.php?t=37876

"... read the bottom line letters, each eye, near, distant, depth perception (pick out which number sticks out-really hard on some of them I thought), what point does the line cross the musical notes, ..."

I fear that any future employer will not look so kindly or understandingly upon my situation. I realize the doctor is a professional, and is responsible for issuing medicals only to qualified pilots, I'm not flying for the doctor, so he is less likely to have concern. But I WILL be flying for the employer doing the follow on medical exam.

Has anyone ever encountered a scenario similar to this? I would really like to know if it's something I can still get excused based on previous exams, the SODA, and incident free experience.

ANY insight or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

-- John
 
First, your SODA is for a Clas 1, 2, or 3 medical. If it is for a Class 1, it is valid for all other classes.

Second, American is one of the few carriers who employ their own medical department. Many of the companies (major carriers) rely on the FAA medical as the clearance to fly medically. This may leave you off the list for a couple of airlines but not for the majority.

Third, with amblyopia, you essentially have monocular vision. The FAA allows pilots with monocular vision to fly after demonstrating depth perception.
 
1) I got that info from my POC at OKC. We made sure it was for a Class 1.

2) This is GREAT news! Whew! Thank you.

3) I cannot pass the music note tests. However, the AME was aware of this when he accepted the SODA. So is it reasonable to assume I won't have much of a roadblock in the future with bypassing the DP tests?
 
The standard for hearing evaluation for all classes of medical certificates is the spoken voice at 6 feet with the back turned.
 
:) I can pass the hearing fine ...

I meant the "which line does the music note sit on" test.

:p
 
I was born with amblyopia as well and I am unfortnately in the same boat as you are. I have a first-class medical with a SODA for defective distant vision (20/25 distant left eye).

Just like the Doc pointed out, most airlines are doing away with their own medical deptartments just based on the cost. One thing that worries me as airlines get more profitable, they may bring them back.

As stated, American Eagle and mainline will have a separate medical exam. We may have trouble getting passed that. Otherwise, I'm not so sure what other airlines still have private medical staff?

I know Alaska Airlines has a requirement for 20/20 in each eye but surprisngly its regional partner, Horizon, does not.

Anyone know of any other airlines that have such requirement still and/or has a medical staff?

I'm hoping to go the Corp/Fractional route so hopefully I won't have too much to worry about anyway...
 
gypsimac said:
:) I can pass the hearing fine ...

I meant the "which line does the music note sit on" test.

:p
Click to expand...
oooh, that's a tricky test...I have the same amblyopia problem and i can't pass that test either (from a distance)...get it 1/2 a foot away and i can see it but not with both eyes (it's one or the other) and then i prepare for the headache! haha
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top