FAA 2nd Class Medical Passed w/ restrictions

[nicepants]

Went in for my medical today, everything was fine except the one test I feared, the color vision test!

 

Most of the eye exam was looking through a device on a table that checked the vision in each eye independently and together. Passed this no problem. At one point in the test a slide was displayed with 6 of those color "plates". I could see the number clearly in one, maybe two of them. (These tests were administered by the nurse)

 

Later the actual doctor came in and in addition to the other tests he did, he brought a book of color plates with him for me to try and we went to a window for some natural light (though it was cloudy). After the book, he told me that I got one right....ONE. I thought I'd do better than that. In some of them, I could see no discernable pattern at all.

 

He gave me the contact info to set up a light gun test, and answered a few questions about the first class license, etc. He basically said that if I was wanting a first class medical, and I couldn't pass those plate tests, I would have to go to a specialist in the area to have a special test done to determine exactly what the problem is (cost would be $150-$250). I asked about the Farnsworth lantern, and he mentioned how it works, but that the tests are done with varying intensity, he didn't think I would be able to pass it.

 

Long story short: I have my 2nd class medical with the following limitations: "Not valid for night flying or by color signal control"

 

I'm assuming for now that I can pass the light-gun test, however, if I pass this, it sounds like that will not be enough to get an unrestricted 1st class certificate, which, from what I understand, is required to get the ATP rating.

 

Anyone else out there go through this? How will this limit my options after training?

[helifool]

Went in for my medical today, everything was fine except the one test I feared, the color vision test!

 

Most of the eye exam was looking through a device on a table that checked the vision in each eye independently and together. Passed this no problem. At one point in the test a slide was displayed with 6 of those color "plates". I could see the number clearly in one, maybe two of them. (These tests were administered by the nurse)

 

Later the actual doctor came in and in addition to the other tests he did, he brought a book of color plates with him for me to try and we went to a window for some natural light (though it was cloudy). After the book, he told me that I got one right....ONE. I thought I'd do better than that. In some of them, I could see no discernable pattern at all.

 

He gave me the contact info to set up a light gun test, and answered a few questions about the first class license, etc. He basically said that if I was wanting a first class medical, and I couldn't pass those plate tests, I would have to go to a specialist in the area to have a special test done to determine exactly what the problem is (cost would be $150-$250). I asked about the Farnsworth lantern, and he mentioned how it works, but that the tests are done with varying intensity, he didn't think I would be able to pass it.

 

Long story short: I have my 2nd class medical with the following limitations: "Not valid for night flying or by color signal control"

 

I'm assuming for now that I can pass the light-gun test, however, if I pass this, it sounds like that will not be enough to get an unrestricted 1st class certificate, which, from what I understand, is required to get the ATP rating.

 

Anyone else out there go through this? How will this limit my options after training?

 

Well an ATP rating is not really required for most flying nor is a class 1 medical from what I understand. Now not being able to fly at night or by color signal control might be a bit more hindering. Either way I hope all works out well for you!

[justfly]

...How will this limit my options after training?

from AOPA's site (you are a member, aren't you??? ):

 

http://www.aopa.org/members/pic/medical/ce...sion/color.html

 

AOPA's Pilot Information Center

Vision—Color Restriction Removal

 

The newly revised standards in Part 67 specify that applicants for all classes of medical certification have "the ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties."

 

If the airman does not pass the color vision test administered in the aviation medical examiner's office at the time of the FAA physical examination, the following options are available to remove the restrictions from the medical certificate.

 

The best option for many pilots is to pass one of the FAA-approved alternative pseudoisochromatic tests. View this page for information on the optional tests and requirements for satisfactory completion based upon the class of medical applied for.

 

The FAA no longer accepts the Farnsworth Lantern D15. This test is considered a color vision screening test that identifies only those individuals with more pronounced color vision deficiency. Persons with mild deficiencies could probably pass the test, yet still have a color vision deficiency that would not be considered acceptable to meet the color vision standards for a medical certificate.

 

You can see the eye care specialist of your choice for the tests. It may take a few phone calls to locate the test you want to take. Ask the doctor to report the type of test and the results on office letterhead. Make a copy of the letter for your records and send the results to the FAA.

 

You will be issued an amended certificate without the night flight/color signal restriction. Accompanying the amended certificate will be a "letter of evidence" citing your successful completion of the color vision test. Keep that letter for future reference.

 

Some pilots may instead prefer to take the color signal light test at an FAA air traffic control tower. Successfully passing this test will also remove the night flying /color signal control restriction, but with an important change.

 

FAA medical certification policy has now eliminated the need for a waiver, or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) to be issued after the satisfactory completion of the signal light test. So, if you opt for the light signal test, the FAA will now issue you an unrestricted medical and the letter of evidence, but without the separate waiver certificate. Your agency medical file will still show a pathology code for color vision deficiency. For that reason, if you plan to fly for the airlines, it is still a good idea to try the first option before attempting the signal light test.

 

Note: The color signal test can be taken only twice. If you fail the color signal light test, the FAA may not allow you to take one of the other alternative tests for removal of the night flight restriction. Try the other alternative color plate test first!

 

To be prepared for the color signal light test, we suggest you visit the airport and ask the tower specialist to flash the color signals in your direction. Have someone with you who has "normal" color vision to confirm that you correctly identify the colors. The FAA Inspector's Handbook also allows the inspector to ask you to demonstrate the ability to read aeronautical charts, including colored airspace and ground terrain designations most commonly found on sectional charts. You may or may not be asked to do this in addition to the light signal test.

 

Call the Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City and request an authorization for the color signal light test. Indicate the FAA Flight Standards District Office you intend to visit. The FAA will issue an authorization letter to you and copy it to the FSDO. After receiving the letter, which is valid for 90 days, schedule the test with the FSDO. Avoid midday tests when the sun is directly overhead. Late afternoon or cloudy days are the best conditions to view the light signals. Some facilities will accommodate an after-hours appointment if you ask.

 

The Flight Standards inspector should forward the results to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division, however, you may want to call the FAA yourself to make sure that occurs.

 

When you have demonstrated that you meet the color vision standards, you may upgrade your medical to a higher class without having to retake the tests.

[nicepants]

So, if I take the signal test, and pass ( I should have no trouble passing that ), will I have to re-take that test each time I have to renew my medical? Or, once passed, does that take care of the restriction for good?

[Gomer Pylot]

You do not need a first-class medical to get an ATP certificate. I have an ATP, and have never had a first-class medical (well, at least not in many years, not since I got out of the Army).

[justfly]

You do not need a first-class medical to get an ATP certificate. I have an ATP, and have never had a first-class medical (well, at least not in many years, not since I got out of the Army).

What's the point of getting an ATP if you can't exercise the privileges?

 

Sec. 61.23

Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.

(a) Operations requiring a medical certificate. Except as provided in paragraphs (b ) and (c ) of this section, a person:

(1) Must hold a first-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate;

[Gunner]

Not sure if you are going for your Commercial rating down the road but you you will want have taken that light test by the time you need to do you 5 hours of SOLO night flying.

[Gomer Pylot]

The point is an extra $100/month for having it. Many of the customers in the GOM, especially the major oil companies, require it, and the helicopter companies pay for it. Other companies in other places also pay more for an ATP.

[justfly]

The point is an extra $100/month for having it. Many of the customers in the GOM, especially the major oil companies, require it, and the helicopter companies pay for it. Other companies in other places also pay more for an ATP.

So your Operating Procedures require you to "have" an ATP, but not have to be able to exercise the privileges?

 

Thanks for the clarification, enjoy the Benjamin.

[CYGNUS I]

Note: The color signal test can be taken only twice. If you fail the color signal light test, the FAA may not allow you to take one of the other alternative tests for removal of the night flight restriction. Try the other alternative color plate test first!

 

Nicepants

 

I too went through this very ordeal, very frustrating! I again suggest getting an alternate test done first. The FAA will not have anything to do with it and you can take as many, as many times as you need until you get the results you desire. I took the Farnsworth Lantern here in Phoenix and was able to get my restrictions removed and a letter of evidence to show the AME when I renew any medical so I will never have to take the Isahara's again.

 

As for the quote above I too was set up to take a lightgun test and failed the day test. When I did my inspector said I could re-take the day test if I passed the night test. I passed the night test and the FAA said I couldn't retake. However they said if I wish to get restrictions removed I could send in alternate test results, so thats what I did.

 

My point is yes you can still give alternate test results after you've taken a lightgun test, but you can avoid this if you just find and complete an alternate test to begin with.

 

If you do decide to do the lightgun test you should practice first and make very sure you can differinciate the colors first. If you are red green deficient like I am your problem will be the difference btwn White and Green they both just look bright. The green will be slightly dimmer.

 

Later

[Gomer Pylot]

There is no regulatory requirement for an ATP in any Part 135 operation. You can only 'exercise the privileges' in a Part 121 operation, and there are very few of those which operate helicopters. The only reason to have an ATP Rotorcraft certificate is for those jobs which pay extra for having it in your pocket. They are becoming more numerous the past few years. Some customers also require a Class I medical certificate, but that's a customer requirement, not a regulatory one.

[rick1128]

Depending on the operation being conducted, Part 135 may require the PIC to hold an ATP. But one note, if you get the light test passed on a 2nd class, you may have to take again for the first class. Go with the first class for the letter to ensure you don't have to do it again.