bumbulbi

It's not accepted, really? Why do I hear of all these pilots failing the Ishihara and then doing the FALANT?

It was the OPTEC 3000 Color Vision Tester that the AME had me take. What really strikes me as amazing is he is a VERY senior AME who many airline pilots recommended me to go see

He should have known that the FALANT was not acceptable, no? (I'm not at all trying to question your authority, as I'm completely new with all these FAA regulations, just merely trying to get everything straightened out. I can't stress enough how much I APPRECIATE everyone's help on here!)

BTW: Thanks, I'll look at #8

....and I don't know, perhaps I mentioned that the green looks pale green, but say, from this video:

FAA Tower to ARFF, SLC Light Gun Examples - YouTube

the green looks completely white. the ONLY reason I can tell it's green is that the white is yellowish.... EVEN THE RED looks off in this video!

What really scares me is that my parents can tell everything apart.

rickair7777

Dude, do not use a pic from the internet to evaluate your vision. It's reflected, not source light which makes a big difference. The camera, software, or your computer screen might screw it up also.

If you really want to get an idea where you stand, go to a hill or building where you can see the approach and runway lights at an airport that has an ILS. Take the FAR/AIM so you know what the colors are supposed to be and maybe take a friend (non-color blind), and go at night. If you cannot readily see the colors from a couple miles away at night, then you are probably no-go. If you can see them fine, good chance you'll get a SODA, although it's a little different during the day.

The good thing about a color vision problem is that it doesn't change due to age. If you pass, you should be good for your career (unless you develop a true medical problem). If you fail, then you are done and can put it all behind you, go to medical or dental school, and fly airplanes for fun during the day on weekends. If you need to fly at night as a PPL, get your wife her PPL...you can then fly with her and be legal. Trust me, that's not a bad alternative to an airline career at all.

bumbulbi

I know, but even walking around the airport with my stripes and wings is something that I feel a lot of pride doing! (again, for now at least )

Can you provide an explanation of why my parents can see the video colors fine, and why I struggle between the green and red?

Also, lazy question from me, but if I get my SODA, I don't ever have to take a color vision test again?

and last question: Since I am 18, have my 1st class medical and haven't even taken my first lesson yet, how do I pass the FLYING portion to get my SODA?

USMCFLYR

I seem to have been mistaken on the FALANT (good news for you!)
It seems that there must be a difference between the FALANT (Farnsworth Lantern) and the Farnsworth Lantern FLASHLIGHT test if the FAA's site is to believed. The paragraph quoted last time clearly states that the FALANT Flashlight test is not an acceptable substitute, but this page:
Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
List the acceptable tests of which the regular FALANT is listed as acceptable, along with the OPTEC 900, 2000, and 2500 (no mention of the OPTEC 3000).

I have no "authority", I'm not an AME or work at CAMI, but I do have some basic Google skills. Have you looked at the sites provided in the previous posts?

Take a look at this site. It has good pictures.
The greens look green, the whites look white.
If you can't tell the difference here then you probably are at least color deficient.
Well...I have no doubt that you are at least somewhat blue/green color deficient or else you wouldn't be having these problems in the first place I guess.

Listen - it seems to me that your biggest problem isn't going to be the color deficiency that you probably have that is going to be your biggest hurdle, but your mental state. You are really getting worked up over pictures and videos on YouTube rather than concentrating your efforts on educating yourself on the REAL issues (by reading everything you can find on the FAA Medical websites) about your particular issue and then formulating a plan (which is already laid out for you in the links) to go about getting your color vision tested IAW with the rules and regulations so that if you get a pilot's license without restrictions.

And btw - it is called a LOE now instead of SODA (old term)
Yes - you have to take the color vision test every medical if you do not have an LOE. Finally - what do you mean walking around the airport with your stripes and wings making you feel proud?

USMCFLYR

USMCFLYR

Now I am probably a little color deficient myself since I have had trouble with the plates in the past too (though one doc told me it was more in my mind's interpretation than the colors), but those lights in the video that you posted are AWFULLY EASY to tell apart, probably some of the best and most distinct that I have seen! Again - it seems to me that you think the lights are suppose to be like they came off of an art class color wheel - straight primary colors or something.

USMCFLYR

bumbulbi

Yes, I think it has more to do with my mind than my actual "color deficiency"... (but yes, I know that I can't base my facts on online pictures/videos alone)

Now that I view the video link I posted, the colors are indeed quite obvious.. (plus the colors on this forum are like all BLUE)

I don't think I have a blue deficiency in ANY way because blue is really obvious to me. It's more of a green/red/or white deficiency...

It sounds like you are speaking to me in a tone that is becoming more annoyed, but PLEASE forgive me if I am annoying you in any way due to my ignorance.

I can't really describe the "proud" feeling. The only possible explanation is: I really want to be a pilot, and it would make me proud if I could become one. A bland explanation, but I just simply feel "proud" inside when I do anything aviation related.

Thanks for the heads up on everything, everybody! My current plan is as follows:

1. Call AOPA
2. Practice, Practice, Practice during the daytime at the airport where I will be tested
3. Try my utmost best to get that LOE, and become an airline pilot!

Also:

1. What does IAW stand for?
2. Perhaps the OPTEC 3000 is outdated and that may be a reason? (or it might not be acceptable anymore?) (when I do a Google, I don't see much info on the OPTEC 3000...only on systems like the OPTEC 900)

USMCFLYR

If you are having trouble with the color vision tests, you probably DO have a deficiency.

Not annoyed, but make sure that you are taking a look at and reading the links provided and do some self studying and not just relying on forum knowledge. This forum is more useful in pointing the way rather than providing answers.

I'm very proud of being a pilot too, but you may it sound like you were walking around airports wearing stripes and wings NOW when you haven't even had a lesson in the airplane and that would be........a little weird


USMCFLYR

bumbulbi

Ok, one last question:

Let's just say I passed the color vision test and got an LOE, or SODA, or whatever that is called...

My friend, who's dad is a DAL Captain, told me that he asked his dad and his dad said that even if I pass the current color test, there will be color vision tests at the airline...??

Jeez, if this is the case, I might as well be seeking another career...

Or I could just focus on corporate?....

lbfowlerjrmd

lol apply for a student pilot lic. If u fail any part ask ur ame to defer the decision to the FAA. U will get specific instructions from them. signing off this thread

bumbulbi

I already have a student pilot license and a FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate.

It's just that the Class 1 has a nighttime restriction and a color gun restriction..