FAA Class 2 SODA for vision problem

[WRJ518]

Hello, this is my first thread on Jetcareers.

I just wanted to know if I qualify for a Class 2 SODA from the FAA... I am currently enrolled in flight school and was recently awarded a 3rd Class medical certificate. Its been my dream since I was a kid to make flying my career.

I currently wear glasses and my problem is that my left eye is as best as it can get (20/40) with glasses, my right eye on the other hand is naturally 20/20 with or without glasses. With both eyes open I see 20/20, everything is crystal clear, while I'm doing flight training, I'm able to spot airports, traffic, landmarks, etc.

Knowing I don't meet the standards of a Class 2, I asked the AME if I at least qualify for a SODA. He said he's heard of the SODA, but has no idea if I qualify for one, or how to go about getting one.

So my question is, with what I stated above, what do you think my chances are of getting a SODA?

Thank You!!!

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

You get a Class 2 medical certificate which will be limited to Student Pilot privileges only. Send a letter to either Oklahoma City or the Regional Flight Surgeon asking for a Medical Flight test (this can be done with your private pilot checkride if you go to a FSDO to do the ride). They will send the medical flight test report form to the medical division who will issue you a SODA and a medical without limitations. Pretty easy to do.

A general note about flight physicals. This is why you go to an AME who does 25 physicals a month, they deal with these things often enough to know how to navigate the system.