Practicing Rabin CCT at home - Can 50-60 scores on a simulator reliably translate to a 55+ FAA pass?

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john123

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john
Hi everyone,

I’m currently navigating the color vision requirements for a Class 1 medical. I am a moderate protan. I have no issues with real-world triggers like PAPI/VASI, cockpit glass, or the Signal Light Gun (Lantern) test. However, since my goal is a Class 1, I am focusing on passing the RCCT.

I’ve been practicing at home with a self-built simulator (calibrated to Gamma 2.2) that mimics the Rabin "C" orientation. I consistently score 80+ on Green and Blue, but my Red (Protan) scores fluctuate between 50-60 with both eyes, and 45-55 per eye with the other eye closed.

I’d appreciate insight from AMEs or pilots who have taken the official test:

  1. Simulator vs. Official Device: How does a high-end LCD/LED monitor compare to the official Rabin CCT hardware? Is the clinical display significantly different in terms of "grain" or contrast sensitivity?
  2. The "Lucky Pass" & Retesting: Since I’m hovering right on the bubble (55), is it common for AMEs to allow a "warm-up" or a couple retrys if needed, in the same session? If I’m at a 53, can a few tactical guesses on the faintest letters realistically push me over the 55 threshold for a permanent pass?
  3. The "Blob" Effect: Although I have 20/20 distance vision, at low contrast (around 40% and below), the "C" loses its sharp edges and looks like a blurry "blob" where I can just barely discern the gap/opening. Is this "blobbing" typical during the official clinical test, or is the official setup much sharper?
  4. Optimization: Are there proven ways to "squeeze" an extra 5 points out of my score? I’m considering specialized lens correction, or supplements or something else you would recommend. Has anyone seen these make a difference on the test?
  5. Also, I am considering the CAD test as an alternative. Since the passing threshold for Protans is 12, do you find the CAD to be more achievable or 'forgiving' than the Rabin for someone with my scores? I’d love to hear from anyone who has tried both
I’m trying to determine the best path forward to secure a definitive pass. Any feedback from those who have been in the "Rabin trenches" would be invaluable.

Thanks!
 
Instead of twisting yourself into knots to try to game the system, why not just take the test and do your best? If you don't meet the standard, but indeed have no real-world issues, then apply to do the necessary testing to get a SODA. Have you tried the Waggoner CCVT on an iPad?
 
bbchien said:
John, is your monitor calibrated? or are you doing this off of an iPad?
Click to expand...

I'm using a MacBook Pro, typically in sRGB or Display P3 (D65), which I understand is the closest to the clinical standard. Interestingly, I've noticed my scores are consistently about 5% higher in sRGB than in P3.
 
If you get close to standard they will offer your the ride but you have to do it in front of someone known to FAA on THEIR equipment, to sign the "attest". No attest = "anybody could have done it".

(3) Astigmatism. Get that corrected (lenses).
 
Thanks, I'll get my astigmatism (correction) sorted ASAP to see if it fixes the 'blobbing' and pushes my home scores toward 60. A few critical questions: In your experience, for a moderate/severe Protan, is the CAD test (threshold 12) generally more forgiving than the Rabin 55?
Is the OCVT typically 'easier' to pass for someone with my profile? I’m terrified of failing it as it’s my absolute last resort. I'm attaching a screenshot of my home simulation (calibrated sRGB on my Macbook) showing what '55' looks like for me. Does the clinical Rabin hardware look/feel significantly different than this?
Are there any supplements or specific strategies you recommend to squeeze those final 5 points to reach a stable 55-60? Trying to decide if I should try either CAD/RCCT or my only option is the OCVT.
 

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bbchien said:
The Rabin would be the best chance for a mod-severe protan, IMO.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bruce. I have three follow-ups to lock my strategy:

  1. If I fail the Rabin during a session, is it 'game over' for that medical application, or do AMEs typically allow to try again couple times or even retake it the next day?
  2. Beyond correcting my astigmatism, are there any 'off-label' tactics or supplements you've seen actually move the needle on Rabin scores?
  3. Given I'm a moderate/severe protan on the bubble, should I push for the Rabin as my primary path, or is the OCVT a safer bet despite the 'one-shot' risk?
Appreciate the guidance.
 
You tests as many time as you need to pass...provided you can.
And to you last question they don't offer the OCVT anymore, unless you can get very very close on one of the three tests.
 
bbchien said:
You tests as many time as you need to pass...provided you can.
And to you last question they don't offer the OCVT anymore, unless you can get very very close on one of the three tests.
Click to expand...
Hi Bruce,

Thank you for the guidance. It is highly valued as this is a top priority for me.

I’ve been practicing on the exact test i built myself, on a high quality screen, and noticed a consistent scoring gap:
  • sRGB profile: 55–60.
  • Display P3 (D65): 50–53.
Given the clinical setup, where do you estimate my score will land? Also, does your office use the standard Landolt C for this test?

If my baseline ends up being 52–53, is the "unlimited tries" approach a realistic strategic advantage to bridge that 2–3 point gap, or is the threshold statistically rigid even after multiple attempts?

I would appreciate any further technical tips you might have.

Thanks again
 
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