SODA

francis03

francis03

Well-Known Member
hey you guys,

I have a question that has been bothering me for a while now. I'm currently a PPL working on my instrument rating and is hoping on being an airline pilot someday (duh? jetcareers) I had recently gone to the eye doctor and had a new set of prescriptions. However, even with the prescriptions, my lazy right eye is only 20/40. My good left eye though is corrected to 20/20 with the glasses. Also, I have a case of Amblyopia.

I was wondering if this would be a deal breaker for me. Would I be able to pass a 1st class medical exam? or get a job in commercial aviation in the future? I have heard about SODA's and was wondering if that would apply to my current problem.

Thanks
 
So would a SODA clear a person to fly with a first class medical with 1 eye not 20/20?

Also, how would having a SODA affect chances of getting a job at the airlines?
 
Thank you Mr. FlightSurgeon. U just made my day. I realized how ignorant I was by not coming forward with this. It just hit me today coz I have to renew my medical soon and instead going for the first class instead of renewing my third class...

SO, how does a SODA flight go anyway?
 
splitzkreen03 said:
Thank you Mr. FlightSurgeon. U just made my day. I realized how ignorant I was by not coming forward with this. It just hit me today coz I have to renew my medical soon and instead going for the first class instead of renewing my third class...

SO, how does a SODA flight go anyway?
Click to expand...

I have the same condition you do, only, at the time, my right eye was 20/200. I fought with OKC extensively, and, long story short, I'm good to go.

It was nothing more than a routine stage check type flight. Nothing close to a checkride. It was pretty much just so the inspector could see that you could control the airplane in a normal manner and spot traffic. My ride was pre-solo, but I'd expect a little hood work, but I honestly wouldn't even expect any partial panel, depending on the inspector.

Just in case you haven't run across this before, a SODA issued for a third class is only good for third class. If you want a 2nd or 1st, you have to re-SODA.

I went in for my 1st class, and had the paperwork "pended" for the SODA flight. After the inspector signed my SODA flight letter, I took it back to the doc and got my 1st class medical.

My SODA doesn't expire. Whenever I renew my medical, I just show the doc the SODA waiver (from OKC) and my right eye exam is just skipped.

Apologies for giving info you may have already known, but I want to be thorough, so you have all the info you need, because I KNOW how you feel!

If you have any questions, besides for the good Dr, I'd be MORE than happy to answer them for you. PM me if so.

-88
 
splitzkreen03 said:
Thank you Mr. FlightSurgeon. U just made my day. I realized how ignorant I was by not coming forward with this. It just hit me today coz I have to renew my medical soon and instead going for the first class instead of renewing my third class...

SO, how does a SODA flight go anyway?
Click to expand...
The flight is a non issue! Basically you will just show the inspector you can fly. He will probably ask you if you can see certain items on the ground (in a conversational manor), a simulated off field emergency ladning, and then maybe a couple landings. really is very simple!
 
thanks for the replies guys!!

I really didnt know what to do when the doc said thats the best my right eye can be. I thought I was done. My childhood dream is over.... till today :rawk:
 
I'll chime in here since I have dealt with the exact same issue.

I also suffer from Amblyopia with my left eye. I was born legally blind in my left eye (20/200) but with some eye-patching treatment and some vision therapy when I was a kid, I was able to restore my acuity to 20/40 uncorrected. With correction I can see about 20/25~30 in my left. This is for my distant vision only in my left eye. My near vision in my left Amblyopic eye is 20/20 corrected. Right eye is 20/20 across the board...

So, what did I have to do to get approved for a 1st class? I highly recommend Virtual Flight Surgeons (www.aviationmedicine.com). They handled all my paperwork with OKC expeditiously and with care. Dr. Keith Martin who is the co-founder of the company oversaw my case and was very knowledge of special issuance procedures, as that's all they really do. All I had to provide to them was an FAA Form 8500-7 (basically a detailed eye evaluation that can be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist) and they handled the rest. Within 6 weeks I received my SODA for a 1st class medical. I didn't have to take a special flight test for it either because I think my distant vision in my left eye is so close to being 20/20. I believe on the actual SODA itself it says that it was just an "administrative decision". So I guess I lucked out...even though it sounds like the flight test with the feds isn't a big deal after all.

Back then (10 years ago or so) I think this cost me about $250-$300 for VFS to handle my case but it was WELL WORTH IT! Like I said I highly recommend them. They know what they are doing....

My condition has barred me from a military pilot career but I've had a pretty successful civilian career so far so I wouldn't think this issue should get in the way of your dreams. Most companies these days just ask for a 1st class. However, there are still a few out there that want 20/20 corrected vision as part of their minimum requirements. Why ask for a 1st class then go on with that sort of restriction?...Seems odd to me and slightly discriminative but that's just me.

I wish you the best of luck and never give up!
 
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