Physical requirements 2

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hi.I’m 15 and Im going to high school next year.And I want to be a pilot but my one eye is blind and Im an Asian.Is it okay to be a Pilot?

2

Hi Tuugu and Welcome!

First off I’m not sure why you think Asian would be an issue or even a question? (Although I did see that some research suggests Asians have a higher rate of Myopia (near-sighted) than other ethnicities?). As for the “monocular” vision to be honest I wasn’t sure but I just did some quick research and apparently it is possible! You’d need to get a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) waiver from an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) basically saying you have the ability to compensate for the blind eye. I would recommend you contact a local AME (Google or go on the AOPA website) and have him tell you exactly what’s required of you. From what I understand there are a number of pilot’s out there flying with monocular vision.

Good luck and let me know how you make out.

Adam

3

Okay,Thank you a lot!

4

Hi Tuugu,

I actually know of a Continental pilot who lost his eye in an accident and was able to continue flying. Adam’s advice is spot on, you will need a SODA from your AME to fly.

Chris

5

Thank you pilot mentors. I am in the same predicament and didn’t realize this was an option. I see the AME tomorrow and will be sure to mention it.

6

Hi Adam

what if i have partial color blindness, im from Indonesia. while in Indonesia’s flying institute, they give zero tolerance for color blindness

7

Mark,

I am not sure about Indonesia’s policies, but any form of color blindness will raise red flags with the FAA. To get a definite answer on this you would need to speak with a medical doctor that specializes in American FAA or Indonesian medical exams.

Chris

8

Mark,

The FAA basically states that an applicant must be able to pass one of their approved color vision exams. From what I understand, depending on the severity, many pilots are able to find one they can pass. Here’s a link to the FAA website for more info but as Chris said your best bet is to contact an AME. https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/app_process/exam_tech/item52/amd/

Adam