colour perception and visual acuity
By Jeffrey  W. Johnson

Two aspects of the human vision that you will need to have are colour perception and visual acuity.  Included below are two quick tests for both colour and acuity:

colour perception

Shown above is a sample of the type of colour images that you will be asked to identify by your medial examiner.  In each of the above circles is a number. If you can identify the numbers of each of the circles, then chances are you have no colour vision deficiencies.  Myself, I cannot see the 0 that is in the centre circle.  I failed to identify the colour differences associated with those of the centre circle and therefore failed that portion of my medical exam.  The restrictions to a pilot's license that apply for such a vision deficiency are "no night flight" and "not valid for colour control signal".  If you have a similar problem and still have the restriction, click here to learn about the process to obtain a S.O.D.A. ( Statement Of Demonstrated Ability ).

         

             

                     

Federal Aviation Regulations, according to the third-class qualifications, sec. 67.303 says: Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are: (c) Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.

** Note: This actually means the ability to distinguish between red, green, and white lights.

visual acuity

Shown here is a chart that you can use to give you an close estimate of your visual acuity.  To use this vision chart, follow these rules:

1.) Measure the length of the blue line on the chart in CENTIMETRES as it appears on your monitor.

2.) From your monitor, measure a distance backwards in FEET the number of centimetres the line is long (i.e. if the line is 9cm in length stand 9 feet back from the monitor) 

3.) Read the smallest line on the chart with each eye separately.  If you use corrective lenses, wear them for this test.

  • Very bottom line = 20/10 vision
  • Second line up from bottom = 20/20 vision
  • Third line up from bottom = 20/30 vision
  • Fourth line up from bottom = 20/40 vision
  • Fifth line up from bottom = 20/50 vision
  • The "T" and "B" represent 20/100 vision
  • The "E" at the top represents 20/200 vision

Federal Aviation Regulations, according to the third-class qualifications, sec. 67.303 says: Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:

(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.

(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.

** Note: if corrective lenses are required to obtain the minimal 20/40 vision, then the person is eligible only on the condition that the corrective lenses MUST be worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.