Amblyopia
 

My wife figured out that I've had a thing for flying since I was a wee lad, and went ahead and got me a Discovery Flight lesson for our anniversary. I enjoyed it even more than I could have imagined. I want to go ahead and get a PPL (3rd class med).

Now the sobering reality sets in: I had never pursued this on my own because I have anisometropic amblyopia (the one that's corrected by patching, only I had never patched) and was concerned this would keep me from ever flying.

I saw an AME today and he said I would fail as tested because my bad eye was below the standard. However, he did say the FAA would allow me to pursue "further consideration" after he submitted the paperwork, although he had an "it's worth a shot" attitude about it.

My good eye corrects to 20/20 and I do have good depth perception.

Does anyone with this condition ever get a 3rd class med/PPL?

If you have not been turned down yet, consider going the sport pilots license route. I fly heavy iron for work but a 46 cessna 140 for joy. You can go to the EAA web site for more info. Check before you actually get turned down for a medical because then it comes into play for the sport license.

Like HIFLYR said, don't get turned down. The sport pilot route is certainly okay, but ...

A waiver is possible, I'm almost certain. The first guy who took me flying (and let me fly!) had vision in only one eye. Officially a waiver is called a "statement of demonstrated ability". I'm disappointed that the AME you talked to wasn't a bit more aggressive in at least pointing you in the right direction for information. AOPA has a pretty good medical department; even though you probably aren't a member they may talk to you as a prospective pilot. AOPA Online: . You should be able to get a good idea of your chances for a waiver before you apply for the medical. If I'm wrong and your chances aren't good, sport pilot (and / or private pilot - glider) is just fine! Good luck! :)

Waivers, SODA's, and Special Issuance medicals are different things...

A SODA is where you demonstrate to the FAA, often in an operating aircraft, that you are able to perform well enough to hold a medical. This is done where a clinical test is inconclusive, such as reading color vision plates. A SODA proves that you DO meet the standards...it is normally valid for life.

A Special Issuance is usually where you currently meet the standards, but have a condition which makes it likely that you will not meet the standards prior to the time at which your medical would normally expire. With an SI, your medical will typically have an earlier expiration date...a first class SI might still be good for six months, but would not be valid for ANY class after that.

A Waiver is basically where you do not meet the standard, but the FAA has decided that the risk of allowing you to fly is low.

I believe waivers (and maybe SI's) for first and second class may only be granted to someone who ALREADY held that class of medical. The intent is to allow a currently employed pilot to keep his job, but not open up commercial aviation to new entrants who are not medically qualified.

I re-read 67.401 ('cause I sure ain't an expert) and it appears SODA and waiver are the same thing. Whatever ...my friend Jack had a SODA (non-expiring). He had lost the eye well before he learned to fly (BB gun accident as a child). It would seem there's certainly hope for michaelb, especially if the condition is stable. :) Just an opinion by a non-doctor.

Yes, anyone can get a SODA at any time. Once you have it, it should solve all of your problems related to that issue...it proves that you meet the required performance standard.

But I still think a waiver is something else...it is for someone who does not technically meet the medical standards.

Well, don't want to get into a back and forth ... 67.401 is available on line and we can all read and intepret it our own way. The best way to find out for sure is to find an experienced AME who has done the paperwork. Apparently michaelb's either wasn't very experienced or couldn't be bothered. He needs to find a different doctor, frankly.

I have Amblyopia and I hold a First Class Medical.
I do carry a SODA on my right eye due to the Amblyopia.

I was even able to find a part 121 job if that is one of
the thing you were worried about.

Feel free to touch base with me if you want.

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