Colorblindness in the airlines

cessna2351

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,

I have a very slight colorblindness between the colors of red and green. It is very slight and i was able to obtain a 3rd class medical this past summer with ease. I sometimes have trouble with the Ishihara tests (the circles with the colored dots and you have to find the number). Will this stop me from obtaining a 1st class medical.

I can't reiderate enough how slight this colorblindness is...i think its technical name is "mild duetoronomalia" or something like that.

I am a private pilot student and have had no difficulty reading lights on the PAPI/VASI, etc.

Thanks in advance!
Mike Mc
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am a private pilot student and have had no difficulty reading lights on the PAPI/VASI, etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

How are you on the light gun signals? Gotta tell red and green apart there.
 
A friend of mine is colorblind. He got a waiver from the FAA after seeing a specialist. I don't know what it entailed, but he has a 1st class medical and is an instructor.
 
If you look in the aeromedical/flight physical section and read the posts on colorblindness and the FALANT test there is a lot of info there. I actually have the same red-green deficiency but I was able to get a 1st class madical without too much problem. As long as you can pass the first class test you should be fine
 
if i m not mistaken the color requirements are the same whatever class of medical you get.

if you take an alternate test and send it to the FAA they will grant you a letter of evidence which you present to the AME each time you go in for a medical exempting you from the test.

just dont pay a consulting group like leftseat.com or anything to "help" you they just want your money. call your FSDO they know where these alternate tests are located at.
 
Did someone say leftseat.com??? RUN LIKE HELL!!!
shocked.gif
 
I would think it would not be much of a problem...you'll always have your captain or FO, and if he/she is incapacitated, i think you could judge how high, and use your knowlegde of the terrain and runway altitude. i would think people would be happier if you were able to get the plane safely on the ground.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I would think it would not be much of a problem...you'll always have your captain or FO, and if he/she is incapacitated, i think you could judge how high, and use your knowlegde of the terrain and runway altitude. i would think people would be happier if you were able to get the plane safely on the ground.

[/ QUOTE ]

That type of rationale will NOT work when it comes to medical problems VS. airline flying. If that indeed is the mentality, then why not let a pilot who has had a heart attack back in the cockpit???? Hey, after all, there is the NFP (non-flying pilot) who can always take over...

No, that'll NEVER work.

Bottom line is that you have to hold a first class med. for a captain, and a second class med. for a F/O. As far as the color blindness related requirements, go here:

www.faaphysical.com and check out the medical requirements.
 
Back
Top