Colorblindness | FerrariChat

Colorblindness

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by afwrench, Aug 3, 2013.

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  1. afwrench

    afwrench Formula Junior

    Nov 24, 2004
    593
    NY
    Full Name:
    Mike
    How difficult is it to get past colorblindness issues? Mike
     
  2. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 30, 2003
    19,036
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Toggie (Ron)
    I'm no expert, but the FAA requires a level of color vision that allows one to:
    - distinguish the colors on a Sectional Chart (map). This is important since the chart uses different colors to designate different types of controlled air spaces, etc.
    - distinguish the colors of the control tower light signals. These are bright lights the tower uses to signal planes that have lost radio communications on whether it is okay to land or not.
    - distinguish the various colors of runway and taxi lights for night flying and the airport beacon colors.

    There are probably several other instances where color vision is important in flying.

    It appears it is possible to get your Private Pilot's License and Medical Certificate with some degree of color blindness although it will likely have the restriction of no night flying and no flying by control of tower lights.

    More specific info on this from the FAA to Medical Examiners here:
    Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

    There is also the Sport Pilot License which is more limited on its usage and what type of plane you can fly, but it doesn't require a Medical Certificate, just a current valid Driver's License. Here is something I found on color blindness for a Sport Pilot License:

    Source: http://www.sportpilot.org/learntofly/articles/questions.html
    .
     
  3. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 5, 2002
    26,107
    Portland, Oregon
    Full Name:
    Don
    You can get a "Statement of Demonstrated Ability" ("SODA") and it's not an issue for any level of medical certificate-- meaning any level of US license, up to ATP. When I got mine, all I had to do was look at the light gun signals from the tower.

    I believe they actually make you go fly now... it's supposed to be a bit harder to get, but still not an issue.

    If you don't get a SODA, I believe you will be restricted to "No Night Flying"-- which I never understood.

    See if you can pass ordinary test first, though.
     
  4. FERRARI-TECH

    FERRARI-TECH Formula 3

    Nov 9, 2006
    1,677
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Ferrari-tech
    When I did my medical, the Dr told me most people who don't already wear glasses, don't even know they have colour blindness until they go for the FAA medical, comes as quite a shock he said..
     

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