As other posters have previously mentioned, this is a very interesting initiative on the part of the CAA and City University. I went along and sat the tests with Dr Squire a couple of weeks ago. The current system of lantern testing produces nothing more than a pass/fail result within the testing capabilities of the lantern being used; it doesn't quantify the 'degree' of someones colour deficiency, which is what the computerised test being developed by City University is designed to achieve.
When I took the tests there I started with the new computerised test first. It essentially identifies the thresholds of your sensitivity to the various colours and finishes by producing a graph showing where those thresholds are. I was told that the results indicated I was slightly weak in my sensitivity to green which is what I have always known.
I then took the whole range of other colour vision tests available including nagel anomoloscope, Beyne and Holmes Wright lanterns. As previously, I failed the Holmes Wright and based on these tests Dr Squire assessed my green dificiency as moderate to severe - in contrast to the computerised test.
Dr Squire indicated that they hope to enter discussion with the JAA around mid 2003 in the hope of getting the new test adopted as the standard, which if adopted would certainly make the test more objective and effectively result in a relaxing of the rules.
Like someone else earlier mentioned, I received the standard letter from the CAA this week thanking me for taking part in the research and confirming that I was still colour unsafe and restricted to day flights only. A call to the CAA optometrist yesterday to point out that I had always had an unrestricted class 3/2 and had in fact had a night rating for the last 15 years, elicited a promise to correct that adminstrative error. He then went on to say that the CAA will now issue a restricted class one for the purposes of instructing, for people with colour vision that does not meet the current standard. He also said to basically 'watch this space' during the course of next year for developments and feel free to come along for a retest if and when a new standard is adopted.
Personally, I thought about doing some instructing in a few years time, but I'm not sure I could face going round in circles in a C150 all day. However if a new standard is going to come in over the next couple of years, getting a restricted class one now to enable a start at hours building via the instructor route might be a viable option for those that are aiming at an airline seat.