G'day guys,
I've been following your conversation with interest as i am a commercial pilot working full time in Oz flying day/night/IMC and I'm a colour defective.
I've been in touch with Dr Squire to discuss my case with her and I will try to come out to England to assist in her study.
When I was 16 I tried out for the airforce only to be told that I was colour blind!! Couldn't believe it at the time. Anyway, I settled for an airline ground job. I became friends with a few pilots who advised I should get myself rechecked as the importance of colour vision in flying had declined. This advice came from a senior qantas captain, someone who would really know!
I set about getting a civilian medical and at first it seemd I would not be able to fly, same old colour tests. Then I was put up for an aviation light signal test. It's done at an airport with a control tower. i passed.
I now a 1000 hour plus CPL. And have never had trouble with colour in the job.
Good luck guys and don't give up.