Color vision testing

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Hillie96

Filing Flight Plan
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Hillie96
My son (16) just flew from Ca to FL for the color vision testing. We were referred to that Dr after speaking to an aviation lawyer as to what the next step should be for his failed color test. He went to FL and took all three test with an AME and failed, which we were expecting.

The fact that they don’t offer a “real life” opportunity to test anymore and rely solely on computers doesn’t seem fair. Nobody is asking for lower standards or a free pass. Simply just a chance to prove they are capable in a real life scenario. My son has letters of recommendation from three people with high creditials signing off he is capable to fly with complete knowledge of light colors.

I have reached out to many advocacy groups, Representatives, Senators, lawyers. If anyone has any ideas where to go next I will listen. If not for my son at least for the next young man or woman who’s dream since they were 4 crushed by computer screen testing as opposed to an opportunity for real life testing.

Thank you
Hopeful future mother of a pilot.
 
I hear you. About 8% of males have color vision issues that aren’t a problem in the airplane but show up in the testing. In the past, you could get a SODA (statement of demonstrated ability) by flying with someone from the FAA (for 1st class) who ascertained your color vision capabilities.

I take it that’s no longer possible? Hoping he gets this all worked out. I have flown with many pilots that have a SODA.
 
You are correct. SODA, light gun tests are no longer offered. They essentially fixed a problem that was never even a problem. I am going to keep fighting this.
 
Thank you for this. My son found this in the FAR/AIM. When we reached out to ask about this they said the chances of getting them to agree to this were LOW. I am going to keep trying. I am just waiting for his results to be sent to get my packet ready to reach out to AOPA and Left wing to have them help in any way they can. I really appreciate you sending this. Thank you.
 
Your aviation lawyer is an idiot. I bristle about the frequent advice that people run to attorneys over certification issues when there's nothing they can do about it (even if they were knowledgeable). The standards are the standards, and unless you have a case where the standards got somehow misapplied, there's nothing legal action will fix.

There are people who can administer the entire slew of color vision tests all over the country.
If he can't pass one of the three tests (noting, by the way that there are two ways to pass Waggoner that some AMEs are ignorant about), then the next step is to have the AME submit the request for reconsideration to the Federal Air Surgeon.

All that stuff on MFT/OCVT is obsolete and has been gone for nearly two years. Technically the FAS could refer you to such testing for the reconsideration, but frankly, I've not heard of it happens. People tend to get approved without further testing on a case by case basis.
 
Thank you for your response. The only reason we went to the aviation lawyer was for guidance on my son’s next step. We are realistic about standards and just wanted guidance about how the new FAA vision regulations work. My son went and took all 3 vision tests. We were not sure if he should go take the CAD test and the lawyer just pointed us in that direction. We have a 16 year old son who just wanted an answer on if she should continue pursuing his dream if he couldn’t get a class 1 medical.
 
Yes, many of them are...idiots.

But one of the "intentions" with the 01/01/2025 policy change was to STOP DOING color vision checkrides. The operational guys were strident as to "WEEE don't have the staffing to do that". To the best of my knowledge there have only been a handful of affirmative responses to "color vision reconsideration" request(s) in 19 months. The color vision checkride is dead.

I do have a letter from the Deputy FAS promising to do one if he got all three tests failed, because just prior to 01/01/25 he missed on the Farnsworth lantern by only one item.
 
Last edited:
bbchien said:
Yes, many of them are...idiots.

But one of the "intentions" with the 01/01/2025 policy change was to STOP DOING color vision checkrides. The operational guys were strident as to "WEEE don't have the staffing to do that". To the best of my knowledge there have only been a handful of affirmative responses to "color vision reconsideration" request(s) in 19 months. The color vision checkride is dead.

I do have a letter from the Deputy FAS promising to do one if he got all three tests failed, because just prior to 01/01/25 he missed on the Farnsworth lantern by only one item.
Click to expand...
Does that same policy change apply to monovision?
 
No. I've had a few of those recently. And, in the Part 121 setting, occurs in Sim with a FAA check airman.
 
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