I am a dichromat protan (protanope) and am hoping to get my PPL. I took the third class OCVT at the San Jose FSDO Monday, which consisted of a chart color identification portion and a signal light test.

Despite my color deficiency, I passed the SLT, however, I mixed up some of my blues and magentas on the chart, mainly because my chart reading is a matter of comparing colors to the legend to identify airspace. Regardless, the test was deemed a failure because of my chart reading mistakes.

I received a call this morning from the FSDO telling me that the FAA will not allow me to retake the OCVT at night as they had said I could in the letter. This leaves me with a number of questions that I cannot seem to find answers to through calls to the FSDO and FAA Aeromedical.

Most importantly, why is it that because I struggle with identifying blue and magenta on the chart during the DAY, that my privileges at NIGHT are in question? Is it not just as important to be able to read charts during the day as it is at night? Why is it that I am allowed to fly by day with this chart-reading problem but not at night (bear in mind, I have no trouble reading charts, just a problem with telling you the names of the colors I'm seeing).

Now that I am being denied the chance to retake the test at night, I feel like the FAA is going back on their word when they say "If you do not meet the standard during the daylight test: You may retake the Operational Color Vision Test at night."

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!