Not correctable to 20/20?
01-01-2020, 01:14 AM
#1
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Not correctable to 20/20?
A friend of mine wants to take the plunge but tells me his eye doc can't quite get his vision corrected to 20/20... I think like 20/35 is as good as he can get it with glasses.
What are his options?
Has anyone run into this before?
What are his options?
Has anyone run into this before?
01-01-2020, 04:33 AM
#2
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Posts: 454
Originally Posted by SonicFlyer
A friend of mine wants to take the plunge but tells me his eye doc can't quite get his vision corrected to 20/20... I think like 20/35 is as good as he can get it with glasses.
What are his options?
Has anyone run into this before?
What are his options?
Has anyone run into this before?
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...ide/standards/
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-...lth-conditions
Last edited by 155mm; 01-01-2020 at 04:52 AM.
01-01-2020, 06:55 AM
#3
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Posts: 11,501
Originally Posted by SonicFlyer
A friend of mine wants to take the plunge but tells me his eye doc can't quite get his vision corrected to 20/20... I think like 20/35 is as good as he can get it with glasses.
What are his options?
Has anyone run into this before?
What are his options?
Has anyone run into this before?
Depends on which plunge. For a PPL all he needs is 20/40 bilaterally. Class 1 or 2 he’ll need a SODA for less than 20/20 bilaterally, but those are not really all that difficult usually. In fact, they grant those two pilots that only have monocular vision.
How prudent STARTING a CAREER in aviation is, with only one eye correctable to 20/20, might be a different story, but the FAA will generally let you do it.
01-01-2020, 07:50 AM
#4
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Originally Posted by Excargodog
Depends on which plunge. For a PPL all he needs is 20/40 bilaterally.
01-01-2020, 07:54 AM
#5
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Originally Posted by 155mm
No. For a Third class medical with no restrictions he will need 20/40 bilaterally. Medical certificates whether a "statement of general health", Basic Med, 3,2,1st class, have to do with the operation not the level of license.
01-01-2020, 07:57 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by Excargodog
Uhhh. 20/35 is BETTER than 20/40. If he corrects to 20/35 bilaterally he is corrected to 20/40 bilaterally.
Another example, a person who lost a medical certificate if otherwise qualified, can get an ATP with a Type rating in a full motion FAA approved simulator. Why? Because a checkride in a simulator doesn't require a medical certificate. You may ask what's the use of that? Well, the airlines are now required to have type rated Instructors to train and conduct simulator and ground training. Many of them lost their medicals!
https://www.gleim.com/aviation/faraim/?leafNum=61.23
Last edited by 155mm; 01-01-2020 at 08:19 AM.
01-01-2020, 08:19 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by 155mm
You stated for a PPL (Private Pilot License) he needs 20/40! And again I say NO! You need 20/40 or better for the 3rd class medical! Two different things. If he were to obtain a PPL, CPL or ATP in an airplane, he needs at least a third class medical because he'll be acting as PIC for the checkride. If it is a PPL,CPL glider or LTA just a "Statement of Health".
Another example, a person who lost a medical certificate if otherwise qualified, can get an ATP with a Type rating in a full motion FAA approved simulator. Why? Because a checkride in a simulator doesn't require a medical certificate. You may ask what's the use of that? Well, the airlines are now required to have type rated Instructors to train and conduct simulator and ground training. Many of them lost their medicals!
Another example, a person who lost a medical certificate if otherwise qualified, can get an ATP with a Type rating in a full motion FAA approved simulator. Why? Because a checkride in a simulator doesn't require a medical certificate. You may ask what's the use of that? Well, the airlines are now required to have type rated Instructors to train and conduct simulator and ground training. Many of them lost their medicals!
If you have a wife, she must be a saint.
Last edited by Excargodog; 01-01-2020 at 08:30 AM.
01-01-2020, 08:29 AM
#8
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Originally Posted by Excargodog
Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Let me clarify. His vision, even at 29/35 bilaterally, meets criteria for a third class medical license which would allow him to perform non-commercial flying duties. SUCH AS operate as a private pilot if appropriately licensed.
If you have a wife, she must be a saint.
If you have a wife, she must be a saint.
Anyway, my point is there are numerous pathways to have an enjoyable time and perhaps a career in Aviation even with the loss of a medical or stuck with a third class. Worst case, I would consider the Light Sport track to CFI Sport if I had the passion for aviation.
Like I said before, there may be medical reasons his eyes are stuck at "20/35" corrected vision that could be a disqualifier for a third class medical as well. ie: Glaucoma, cataracts, tumors, etc. He really needs to talk with some experts! Not just a blanket statement that he qualifies for a 3rd class! My point being, once you get denied a medical then you are really screwed and may not even qualify for a sport pilot or glider track!
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