Strong Myopia and FAA Class 1

MarsilB

MarsilB

Member
Good Morning Doctor,

I'm very interested in working as an airline pilot. Unfortunately I suffer myopia ( -8.00 D in my right eye, and - 6.50 in left one).
I was wondering if I'm suitable for getting a Class 1 FAA Medical Certificate in my current situation.
If not, is it possible to solve the problem in some way? (e.g. Laser Surgery)
I don't have any other physical problem.

Thank you in advance for your Answer.

Best Regards, MarsilB
 
I wasn't quite as bad as you (-5.25 left, -5.00 right), but I've held a 1st class for years, and actually just had the corrective lens limitation removed in April (by Dr. Forred, in fact :)) after LASIK in January.
 
MarsilB said:
Thanks Doctor,
Do you know something about the Airlines criteria?
Click to expand...
I'm obviously not the Good Doctor, but as an active airline pilot, I can tell you that there are no problems as long as you are correctable to 20/20. Some airlines used to have restrictions on uncorrected vision (Delta I think was one), but those restrictions no longer exist at any US airline.
 
Hello, Marsil!

I have an almost identical prescription to you (a little worse, actually) and I have astigmatism as well. I've needed glasses ever since I was five years old.

In my case, I wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, and keep my glasses handy "just in case." I've been flying professionally for almost ten years, and am about to upgrade at my airline! I've never had a problem with the first class medical...I have the "must wear corrective lenses" restriction and that's it.

All airlines that I know of, mine included, just require you to hold a first class medical.

Best of luck to you!!
 
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