The focus of aviation regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is not on the natural state of your eyesight but on your corrected visual performance in the cockpit. You can be a pilot with glasses or contact lenses. As long as your vision can be corrected to meet the specific standards set by the aviation authority, you are eligible to pursue a career as a pilot. This requirement involves demonstrating the ability to see clearly at the various distances necessary for safe flight operations, including reading instruments and identifying distant traffic. Meeting these standards is accomplished through a structured medical certification process that ensures all pilots maintain the required level of visual acuity.
The Medical Certificate Framework for Pilots
The regulatory framework requires pilots to hold a medical certificate to exercise the privileges of an airman certificate. The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically 14 CFR Part 67, define three classes of medical certificates, with vision standards differing based on the complexity and demands of the flying activity.
The First-Class Medical Certificate is the most stringent, required for Airline Transport Pilots (ATP) flying for commercial airlines. The Second-Class Medical Certificate is necessary for Commercial Pilots who fly for hire, such as corporate pilots or flight instructors. The Third-Class Medical Certificate is the least demanding and is sufficient for private or recreational pilots. The class of medical certificate determines the required level of visual performance, ensuring the pilot’s physical condition is appropriate for their responsibilities.
Detailed Vision Requirements by Medical Class
Specific visual acuity standards are defined for distant, intermediate, and near vision, and must be met with or without corrective lenses.
For a First-Class or Second-Class Medical Certificate, distant vision must be 20/20 or better in each eye separately. Near vision, measured at 16 inches, must be 20/40 or better in each eye separately for all three medical classes, which is necessary for reading flight charts and instruments.
Pilots aged 50 and older seeking a First-Class or Second-Class certificate must also meet an intermediate vision standard of 20/40 or better at 32 inches. The Third-Class Medical Certificate requires distant vision of at least 20/40 or better in each eye, maintaining the 20/40 near vision standard.
When corrective lenses are used, the medical certificate carries a mandatory limitation stating that the pilot must use those lenses while exercising the privileges of their airman certificate. The ability to perceive colors, necessary for identifying navigation lights and cockpit displays, is also a requirement for all medical classes.
The Role of the Aviation Medical Examiner
The Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a physician designated by the FAA to perform pilot medical evaluations. The AME ensures that an applicant’s vision meets the required acuity levels for the class of medical certificate sought. The medical examination includes a thorough vision component designed to verify the pilot’s visual capabilities at all required distances.
During the medical exam, the AME conducts several tests, including the standard Snellen eye chart for distant vision and specialized charts for near and intermediate vision. The assessment also involves checking for peripheral vision and eye alignment to ensure coordinated binocular function. If the applicant requires corrective lenses, the AME verifies that the lenses successfully correct the vision before issuing the medical certificate with the appropriate limitation.
The AME determines if the applicant meets the medical standards outlined in 14 CFR Part 67. If a medical condition, including a vision issue, does not meet the basic standards, the AME may defer the decision to the FAA, initiating a process for special authorization.
Handling Complex Vision Conditions and Special Issuances
For pilots whose vision conditions extend beyond simple refractive errors, the path to certification involves a detailed review process. Conditions like color vision deficiency or specific ocular diseases may initially disqualify an applicant from a standard medical certificate. In these situations, the FAA provides mechanisms for individuals to demonstrate their ability to fly safely through special authorization procedures.
One mechanism is the Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA), a waiver granted for static, non-progressive conditions, such as monocular vision. A SODA is issued when the applicant’s condition is stable and allows a designated examiner to issue a medical certificate without further referral. The process for obtaining a SODA involves the pilot demonstrating through a medical flight test that they can safely perform all airman duties despite the physical limitation.
Conditions that are progressive or require ongoing medical oversight, such as certain eye diseases, may be addressed through a Special Issuance Medical Certificate. This discretionary issuance requires the pilot to submit extensive medical assessments and health records to the FAA, proving the condition is stable and well-managed. Unlike a SODA, a Special Issuance is time-limited, typically requiring the pilot to undergo recurring evaluations and submit status reports from their treating physician to maintain certification.
Practical Considerations for Flying with Corrective Lenses
Pilots who rely on corrective lenses must consider several practical requirements beyond the minimum regulatory standards. A primary operational requirement is the necessity of carrying a spare pair of glasses or contacts in the flight bag while performing airman duties. This redundancy ensures that a pilot can maintain the required visual acuity even if their primary corrective lenses are lost or damaged during a flight.
When selecting eyeglasses for flying, pilots often choose frames with a thin design to prevent obstruction of peripheral vision, which is important for scanning the airspace. The choice between glasses and contact lenses involves trade-offs. Contact lenses offer an unobstructed field of view but can sometimes lead to dryness or discomfort in the low-humidity, pressurized environment of a cockpit. Conversely, glasses are less prone to issues with dryness but can cause glare or reflections from cockpit lighting. Pilots frequently also use non-prescription sunglasses to reduce glare and protect their eyes from the intense solar radiation encountered at higher altitudes, which helps to mitigate eye fatigue.