Procedure for removal of color vision restriction
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:
(1) The more desirable option that does not result in the issuance of a waiver is the successful completion of an FAA-approved alternative test. The attached sheet from the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners lists the optional tests and requirements for satisfactory completion based upon the class of medical applied for. The alternative test may be administered by an ophthalmologist or optometrist of your choice. Send successful results to the FAA and you will be issued an amended certificate without the night flight/color signal restriction. Instead of a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, the FAA issues a letter that you will present at each physical examination to verify that you meet the color vision standards.
There are several advantages to this option: (a) No authorization from FAA is necessary; (b) results of unsuccessful attempts need not be reported; (c) no SODA ("waiver") will be issued, so the airman need not claim a "waiver" (when applying for a professional flying position, for example); (d) if the airman is unsuccessful with an alternative test, the second option is still available.
(2) A "waiver" allows individuals who do not successfully pass the pseudoisochromatic color plate test administered in the medical examiner's office to have the night flying/color signal control limitation removed from their medical certificates by correctly identifying color signals flashed from an air traffic control tower.
*NOTE: THE COLOR SIGNAL LIGHT TEST CAN BE TAKEN ONLY TWICE.
IF YOU FAIL THE COLOR SIGNAL LIGHT TEST, THE FAA WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TAKE ONE OF THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE TESTS FOR REMOVAL OF THE NIGHT FLIGHT RESTRICTION. TRY THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE COLOR PLATE TESTS 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 copy the authorization letter to that facility and to you. After receiving the letter, which is valid for 90 days, call the FSDO and schedule the test. 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.
Upon your successful completion of the test, the examiner will be authorized to issue the waiver (Statement of Demonstrated Ability) removing the restrictions from your medical. The FAA will usually upgrade a waiver to a higher class medical certificate without requiring a repeat of the signal light test.
To contact the FAA in Oklahoma City use the following address and phone:
Aeromedical Certification Division
CAMI Building
P.O. Box 26080
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
405/954-4821
If you have additional questions, call the AOPA Medical Certification Department at 800/872-2672.
Attachments — Color Vision GAME Pages