Vision
 

I have come to a part that I feel is going to end even the chance of me ever being a commercial airline pilot.

When I was 21 I was diagnosed with an eye disease called keratoconus which weakened my corneas in my eyes. Back in 2014 I had surgery which placed intacs in my eyes and got me to see 20/40 which was way better than before and is legal to drive. I can see and read just fine and read road signs and such, but my vision will never be 20/20 again.

I am getting ready to go see a doctor to get a class 1 medical screening. My question is if I happen to not have a distant vision of 20/20 can exceptions be made? I was told of something called S.O.D.A which can excuse something if you can demonstrate that you can perform the task. I hope this does not shatter my dreams of every flying commercial. I have heard from multiple people about all sorts of different exceptions and pilots flying with vision like mine or worse.

Take the Class 1 physical and let the AME decide. The standard is 20/20 with or without correction.

GF

In my experience a standard is just a standard. Can exceptions be made? I have heard of something called a SODA

There are AME's who are also Ophthalmologists. They might be able to offer some additional insight and assistance. It shouldn't be too hard to seek one out. BTW, A SODA is short for Statement of Demonstrated Ability. They are done fairly regularly. Very best of luck with this.

A bit premature, though if flying doesn't work out, just know it's not the end of the world. A very good friend washed out in the military. He remained for the duration of his commitment in another MOS. After separating he started a business that has made untold millions. I asked him once if he had any regrets about the flying. He said no, that if he had become a pilot he would have probably never started the business...

If you're 20/40, can you get eyeglasses to bump you up to 20/20?

That doesn't sound like a big deal at all. There are the handful of other issues, color blindness and depth perception that would gum up the works.

The entry physical for the military would be MUCH more stringent.

Yes exceptions can be made for some vision issues with a SODA or a Special Issuance (probably SI, I doubt you could pass a SODA). But for a first class medical the only cases I've heard of are for one eye (even blind in one eye), or best vision with both eyes slightly off 20/20 (maybe 20/25).

20/40 is pretty bad compared to 20/20, and would IMO not be safe for an airline pilot. I know because that would be me without my glasses...I need my glasses to land a jet at night and spot other planes during the day. So I doubt they would give you a first class.

But no harm in trying.

Also...I'm pretty sure the standard for third class is 20/40, so I think you could be a private pilot regardless.

If you doubt whether someone is really pilot, ask them what DEFPOTEC means. :D

My AME said you can get a first class special with 20/40. FWIW