Originally Posted by RampFlyer

Hello all,

I am 31yrs old with a Commercial ASEL, AMEL, Instrument rated with about 370 TT, and 42 total ME. I have read in previous posts in this thread that I could possibly get a waiver to be accepted to UPT at my age. However, during the start of my flight training(which was 10yrs ago) I was unable to pass the color blind test when I went to get my medical and so a restriction was placed upon it. In order for me to have it removed an FAA agent and myself stood at one end of the field from the control tower so the controller could flash red, white, and green lights at me and all i had to do was tell the agent what the colors were. I passed the test and the FAA issued me a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) saying that I was waived from taking the color blind test each time I went to renew my medical.


So, my question is if I applied and was accepted and I went to the flight Dr. for a physical and just so happened to pass the color blind (which I am told has been the same test used for years) would the SODA be an issue as far as a flight surgeon passing me? I hope i made some sense asking this question. I am just curious if a military career can still be a possibility for me. In the mean time I am currently working on my CFI and going from there.

I appreciate any thoughts or advice from you all.

Originally Posted by galaxy flyer

In 18 years, sending probably 30 or more UPT candidates up for USAF physicals, the color test was the only one 2 failed. It's a tough test, but don't let that stop you from trying.

GF

Originally Posted by RampFlyer

Hello all,

I am 31yrs old with a Commercial ASEL, AMEL, Instrument rated with about 370 TT, and 42 total ME. I have read in previous posts in this thread that I could possibly get a waiver to be accepted to UPT at my age. However, during the start of my flight training(which was 10yrs ago) I was unable to pass the color blind test when I went to get my medical and so a restriction was placed upon it. In order for me to have it removed an FAA agent and myself stood at one end of the field from the control tower so the controller could flash red, white, and green lights at me and all i had to do was tell the agent what the colors were. I passed the test and the FAA issued me a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) saying that I was waived from taking the color blind test each time I went to renew my medical.


So, my question is if I applied and was accepted and I went to the flight Dr. for a physical and just so happened to pass the color blind (which I am told has been the same test used for years) would the SODA be an issue as far as a flight surgeon passing me? I hope i made some sense asking this question. I am just curious if a military career can still be a possibility for me. In the mean time I am currently working on my CFI and going from there.

I appreciate any thoughts or advice from you all.

Originally Posted by RampFlyer

Thank you for the responses.

I figured I would just give it a shot and see what happens. I am still working on my CFI so if civilian flying is the only thing for me than so be it . Other than worrying about a color blind test, would any of my creds mentioned previously help give me a good chance of making it in?

Originally Posted by FlyArmy

Hmm I am in a similar situation. I am an Army O, RW pilot. If all goes as I dream, I will be out in 4 years, 10 months, putting me at 29 1/2, almost 30 years old. I want to transition directly into the ANG to fly fast movers, so if the stars align and my dream works out I will have been hired by the ANG unit by then and perhaps have a UPT slot. That is pushing it real close...probably too close. I was told, however, that I would be going to an abbreviated UPT. I do not know all that much about that scenario, but I was wondering if the age limit still applies to this "abbreviated UPT" that I was told about?

As for the Army I know a guy who was 31 in flight school...a CPT. I also knew some older WOs. Those waivers depend on the unit if NG/reserve and needs of the army for AD. There isn't nearly as much demand for an older commissioned officer (generally a branch transfer CPT) whose timeline requires a company command fairly shortly after flight school because the officer has very little aviation experience and couldn't command a company as well as someone who knew aviation better. If it is a newly commissioned O, good luck getting an age waiver in active duty. There are plenty of qualified younger LTs and not enough aviations slots to go around as it is.

I have seen some fairly old prior service folks become WOs. Just depends on needs of the army. And, if you could get hired by a NG/Res fixed wing unit, I'm certain a waiver could be attained if they wanted you if you did decide to check out the army.

Originally Posted by Pavedickey

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Air Force is going away from the old colorblind test and has moved to a computer-based test that is also timed. It is fairly challenging for someone with normal color vision. My last four Flt physicals have used this new test instead of the old colored numbers books. A failure of an initial applicant might result in additional testing at what used to be Brooks, or they may chose to disqualify someone after additional testing on base. There is as far as I know, no waiver for color blindness and everyone else is correct, they could care less about what the FAA has said.