Dan64456

I went through this process in April.. Finally got my LOE.. Make sure you learn colors of things you don't even think of, like the colors of the Annunciator Panel lights.. On a 172, some are Orange-Amber, some are Red..
The Chart was simple enough.. Just look at and learn the Sectional, WAC every day.. Know them COLD. They didn't spend a lot of time on this for me, but it's good to know regardless. They asked about terrain shades, maybe a yellow spot on a sectional (city), and the blue water.. They didn't go too much into detail with the things I sometimes have issues with (MOA vs Restricted.. sometimes over water the blue and purple are hard for me to tell.. but it doesn't matter as this is obvious because of the R-Number, P-Number, etc.) Just learn the redundant cues.. 99% of anything aviation related involving color is redundant. Also not a bad idea to learn the IFR enroute chart colors... They might ask you about those too, but they didn't do that to me. Practice with a color normal for help. Go do the light gun test a bunch of times.. Know that there are several different light gun models, and the green's on some are more "blue" than others.. On some they are more "yellowish green" than the blueish ones.. Whites can vary too.. Some are bright LED white, others are more incandescent Yellowish white.. My tower had 2 diff light guns and I had them show me both! Also check the distance on google maps.. Make sure you aren't getting screwed over.. 1000 and 1500 feet. They let me retake it once because I called one wrong (actually I think he might have seen it wrong himself.. he never pre-arranged the colors ahead of time with the controller as they are supposed to, so it was a he saw vs what I saw on a green vs white.. ), but I emailed them with a screenshot stating that the distance was 3000 feet, not 1500. They were like OMG you're right, we'll let you do a re-take. I nailed it the second time. I did so well on the whole thing that he was like "Jeez I hope I didn't get it wrong the first time because your vision is fine.. Maybe I did." He was happy that I passed, excited for me.. They truly don't want to ruin anyone's dreams.. they are just doing their job in reality.

As we waited for the sunset, he had me do a weight and balance, call flight service and check the weather.. by the book sort of stuff.
After that we went on a night flight right after sunset.. This was easy. 3 trips around the pattern..
Before take off "What color is this light?" (VAC light on an Archer.. It's orange.. I called it orangeish reddish.. he accepted.. Not like it matters anyway!)
"Are those trees or grass? Houses or Factories? What colors are those taxiway signs.. ?"
On landing "Tell me when the first red PAPI comes in to view" etc. No issues at all. Again he said "You def see better at night than I do.. (I'm more than 20 years younger) Let's finish the last 2 landings and call this thing done".

Shook my hand, best of luck in your future sir.

I had to call them to get my letter as they forgot to send it.. but they sent me a PDF copy and a paper copy which I keep with me when flying, but it's in my gmail account for good regardless. "This letter serves as evidence that you meet the color vision requirements for a first or second class airman medical, etc etc etc. Carry this with you when flying, take it to your AME every renewal, and they must issue unrestricted medical if you otherwise meet the requirements."

8 years of agonizing over every renewal even though I could pass a bunch of the office based tests (but not all of them), and this was the
BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. Pass or fail, it allowed me to move on with my life and my career(s). If you are going for a job and are iffy on the alternative tests, then study up, try out the light gun a bunch of times for practice, and go this route. A private pilot might be fine sticking with the alternative tests, but as a career pilot it's too dicey. Best off getting the iron clad answer.

Since I failed the first medical (This is when I discovered I truly had a color vision mild deficiency for sure..) they gave me the restricted medical.. I had it lifted through use of other tests such as the FALANT, and even certain ishihara books I can pass. (They allow like 6 or less errors on the 14 plate version plates 1-11) I pass that no problem, but still wasn't worth chancing it to me.
After a bunch of phone calls to the FAA, they let me "re-open my case" because of my initial failure.. I explained to them I want a more permanent answer because I plan on going for a career change to aviation and can't do it unless I know that my color vision is not going to cost me my job. They understood and let me go this route. If you never failed one they don't let you take the OCVT/MFT until you do.. Not saying you should fail on purpose, but that's basically what you have to do if you never had a night flight restricted medical.
I read they were gonna tighten up the standards soon, get rid of alot of the older tests they allow (especially the 6 plate ones.. they apparently FAIL too many people with NORMAL COLOR VISION, but they also are subject to memorization)..
Proposed new standards:
First level > Ishihara or Dvorine..

If fail then Second Level> CAD test (this is a computer based test. And it's not easy. I failed it myself during a research study).

If fail then Third and Final Level> OCVT/MFT (continuing the current policy of allowing a "practical test option")

They might even invent a new practical test to prevent the need for costly flight.. but that's all only on paper.. no action as of now. So either way it's worth it to do the OCVT/MFT and get it out of the way.

PM me if you need help or want any more info.. I've been through the gauntlet with this thing. Best of luck and spread the word.. You CAN fly if you don't have normal color vision.. You just need "adequate" color vision, and no, there is no real safety issue. People adapt. Good luck!