If only the CAA Medical Dept would accept practical flight tests we would all be a lot better off.In my last discussion with the CAA optometrist I asked if they would accept a practical flight test conducted with a CAA authorised examiner to demonstrate that I could perform the colour critical tasks that were identified in their own research conducted at Farnborough. The answer was of course NO!Their argument against practical testing is that it is not uniform and conditions will vary from day to day, which will be a disadvantage to some applicants. This is why the FAA will allow a single retake on the tower signal test to eliminate practical problems of the day.I guess that this is only the opinion of the Medical dept as I’m sure if they walked through their glass doors to the other side of the building the officials of Flight Crew Licensing will surly endorse the use of practical flight tests – just imagine a CPL from a book!