Vision test/Medical/Form 8500-7

[allenchromo]

I am due for a my 3rd class medical certification soon. It is possible that I will not meet the 20/40 requirement for one of my eyes. It was damaged and repaired years ago and has recently had a cataract surgery. I see well out of the eye, but again, I may not meet the requirements for the certification. I see well with both eyes now, but the left is not great close for small print. I'm 20/20 right and 20/40 left both corrected. It has not been an issue during training. I've flown many hours and am getting ready for the checkride.

I see that there is a possibility to be designated a monocular pilot. Do I need to request this before I have my physical, or do I essentially "fail" the physical and then work with a doctor to submit the form 8500-7?

It seems possible that I might not be able to fly anymore bc I won't be able to pass the 16" test for closeup vision in one eye.

I would appreciate any guidance you have to offer me. Thank you.

 

[FlightSurgeon]

Hi Allenchromo,

The standards for a 3rd class Medical are 20/40 in each eye, distance and near, with or without correction. It sound like you are worried the left eye won't meet standards with correction?

I would have your eye doctor fill out a form 8500-7 Report of Eye Evaluation. Perhaps if you can show the AME that you meet standards on the 8500-7 they will issue you a certificate. If not the application will be deferred. You will receive a letter from the FAA asking for that same 8500-7 form plus any other medical records they may want. They will take that information and decide whether or not to issue a certificate under special issuance rules. You don't need to make a special request of any sort.

Best Regards,

Aaron Florkowski, MD
FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner
www.kansascityame.com

 

[allenchromo]

Dr. Florkowski,

Your assessment is correct.

Thank you very much. This seems like a practical and actionable plan.

My sincerest thanks.

 

[Pilot Fighter]

If you are that close, I would visit an ophthalmologist or a damn good optician and describe your needs.

There are a few tricks that you can try. See if you can look a few degrees off the target and move your glasses to see if you can do an off-center correction.

 

[Corporate Pilot]

If you are that close, I would visit an ophthalmologist or a damn good optician and describe your needs.

There are a few tricks that you can try. See if you can look a few degrees off the target and move your glasses to see if you can do an off-center correction.

Squinting helps also.

 

[ppragman]

I see that there is a possibility to be designated a monocular pilot. Do I need to request this before I have my physical, or do I essentially "fail" the physical and then work with a doctor to submit the form 8500-7?

I'm not sure how this works from your end, but I damaged my vision in one eye beyond repair later on in my career and the process wasn't too terrible at all. The medical flight test was straight forward and fair.