Eyesight...

[oliverpollard]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel like I am stuck in a position I dont know how to deal with and would appreciate some advice.
I have always wanted to be a pilot. There is nothing else I want to do. Whilst presenting doing a law degree at Uni of Birmingham, as a back up it is clear I am not happy.
I have 11 GCSE at A/B grade and 3 A levels at A grade (Geography/Law/English). I also have other qualifications. However these results do not shadow the fact my eyesight is below that specified by BA. I need some sort of advice about how to achieve my aim including and the next step I need to take.
I am going to a aviation lecture on wednesday in london that i attend yearly. However, my situation is quite different and the lecture does not ever make it clear what I should do. Does anyone know what I should be doing? Cheers.

[DoWeHaveLiftOff?]

Speedbird,
Can you please copy me in the details for the eyesight, if you don't mind buddy.


OliverPollard
Can you please e-mail me the details of the annual meeting that you mentioned on wednesday, please. Hope to see you there.

Thanks buddies and I owe you one.
DWHLO?

[AffirmBrest]

Oliver - other airlines offer sponsorships other than BA: Aer Lingus, BM, A2K and many others often mentioned on this forum. BA have their own limits which are more stringent than the CAA/JAA for selection purposes, most other airlines just need to see a Class 1 medical and the're happy.

Don't despair! Try the Medical & Health forum for more info, if you haven't yet.

PS Is it me, or eyesight concerns one of the most common queries on PPRuNe? Nothing to do with the fact that we all have computers and interent access, maybe? :)

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...proceeding below Decision Height WITH CAUTION...

[Airbus_319]

Oliver
Don't worry too much. The BA medical requirements are stricter than the CAA's for the sole reason that they are sponsoring you. when i joined the cadet scheme, unaided visual requirements were 6/24 in each eye separately (I think these might have changed slightly now). the interesting thing is however, that when i started my course, there were no fewer than 3 people who did not meet the visual criteria set out by BA. The key seems to be that, as was the case for 2 of the 3, that if you already hold a Class 1 medical, and your eyesight has somewhat stabilised (i.e: very unlikely to get anywhere near the +/- 5 D required for a renewal (this rule might have changed as well)).
My recommendation is to contact BA medical services at Gatwick, and see what they say about the visual requirements. If it comes to the worse, don't forget there are eye exercises you can try which really do improve your eyesight.

And don't forget, if you believe you can do it, it will happen. Good luck.

[long final]

I wondered if anyone could set me straight on the class I medical eyesight rerquirements - I think I fall outside of them, but am not sure why!

What I do know - I have astigmatism with a max +2.5 & -3.0 dioptres. 6/9+ individual and 6/6+ binocular. I think the range is +/-2.0 for a class I for astigmatism and +/-5.0 for myopia.

What I Dont know - is this the case, does it exclude me totally from my class I, if so then why is there a difference between the two ( considering both can be adequatly corrected for with glasses ), do I have any other options. (ie non uk/jaa requirements)

All advice greatfully recieved - there's a dream about to be shattered here!!

[Spoonbill]

Long Final - I suggest you take up the problem thus:
1) With a good optomotrist (optician as they usd to be known), explain that you need corrected vision to the requirements of a CAA class one medical, and they should be able to sort you out.
then,
2) Go and see your local AME, most of them are fighting to understand JAR requirements themselves, and the issue of a class one with regard to eyesight seems to be open to interpratation.
The AME may well refer your case to the CAA medical branch, and obviously they have the power to overide the AME's decision either way.
That said, as an ATCO, I've always found them very helpful and approachable, and they are prepare to work alongside you rather than against you.
Good Luck.

[dcb]

long final

If you are unsure then I would suggest contacting the CAA Optometrist direct (I think his name is Adrian Chorley). There is not a problem doing this and he is very helpful.

If you speak to him and send him a copy of your prescription he will be able to give you an answer.

When I was unsure I did this but unfortunatley I was outside the limits. Luckily I discovered that in OZ (I am originally from 'Down Under') the +/-3 or 5 limits etc are not applied, so I have since done the eyesight test for an OZ Class 1 and passed with an opthalmologist and passed. Heres hoping I get through the medical on Tuesday!!!

DCB

[This message has been edited by dcb (edited 22 February 2001).]

[nosy]

http://www.vectair.flyer.co.uk/img42.gif

[patlolo]

Congratulations !

how do u get this one ?

[weeladdy]

I'm well p*ssed off.
-5.5 each eye so I'd fail the CAA Class 1 medical.

I can never achieve my goal of a UK CPL/IR

Why??? Why???? WHY?????????????????????????

Apparently JAA have issued medical standards for CPL/ATPL, that include any eyesight deviation fully correctable by glasses.

Will the CAA adopt them? Will they heck.They have already made clear they won't.

It's OK of course for (example) US pilots to command their 744's into LHR with eyesight problems that fail the CAA standards.

If the CAA is so worried about this issue and refuse to fall into line with the JAA why don't they ban these pilots? Argument: It's a serious safety hazard.

It's total hypocrisy.

(I have a US Class 1 Medical - and it only cost me 50 quid and a local FAA doctor did it...)

[Borg32]

As an absolute beginner I have a million and one questions. I hope some kind souls can give me a bit of guidance.

I wear glasses (slight prob long sight) I have been told this can be corrected easily with laser surgery.

Questions:

1. is "perfect vision" required for ATPL?
2. if yes - do I inform authorties etc. of laser surgery to correct vision?
3. I have seen pilots wearing spectacles (or have I !!)
4. What is the average retirement age of a pilot?

I,ll start with that little lot..hope you can help

Cheers all

32

[Pielander]

Hi Borg

You'll be glad to know that you don't need perfect eyesight for a class 1 medical (far from it). That is a myth. Until recently, the limit for uncorrected eyesight was 6/24. You would then need glasses to bring your standard back up to 6/6, but this would not be a problem. I believe that 6/24 is roughly equivalent to being able to read a car number plate from 12 metres. For the latest regulations, which are a bit more complicated, have a look at the medical forum. There are some good posts and links on this subject.

On retirement age, I believe that BA retire their pilots at 50, while 55 is a more common age. I'm not sure if there is an upper limit, but the intervals between medicals become ludicously short after the age of about 60.

Hope this helps.

Pie

[Borg32]

Thanks PIE, here comes the serious questions.

Background - I'm 32 years old (a very short career if I retire at 50!!)
have done O.K. in business (so am in a position to pay 35-45k for training without the need to work alongside training)

Left school at 16..(no qualifications)worked very hard in property but always wanted to be a pilot...

GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT, DO I STAND A CAT IN HELLS CHANCE?

I know I can qualify (a friend of mine has already gained ATPL) with hard work, but, would anbody employ a 30 odd year old with no experience and no formal qualifications

32

[Blindside]

Borg

Use the search facility ( in top right of screen ).

The am I too old?? question is a fairly regular one, and there are lots of thoughts on the subject that you can search through at you leisure.

regards

------------------
Half man, Half jalfrezi.

[Pielander]

Borg

I don't want to make any rash decisions on your behalf, so I would suggest that you look at another couple of threads that have been running recenyly. One of them is entitled "How old are you". I have a feeling there are a lot of people in your situation, and the general concensus seems to be that it's fine to start in your early 30's, especially if you have the means to do a full modular JAA course with all the trimmings. If you could afford a type rating, even better, because if you go to the airlines fully qualified, then they don't have to worry about paying back their investment in you. The very worst case scenario, as far as I can see, is that you could end up instructing PPL students. Certainly don't give up though. First job is to get a class 1 medical though. I'd do that ASAP, like by booking it on Tuesday AM.

If you started a new thread along the lines of "32 - Too old to start ATPL?" then I think you would probably get all the answers you needed. (I'm not really the best person to ask, cos I haven't been there yet).

Pie

[Borg32]

Final question,

How much would an "average pilot" i.e NOT working for BA expect to earn?

Is it steady employment or short term contracts (summer months I presume)?

[Pielander]

Try searching the "terms and endearment" forum. Most wannabes would happily fly for food and a free tent at this stage :)

Pie

[Lucifer]

I believe that although you are able to fly with glasses (but not for the RAF when you join), laser surgery is not acceptable, and may result in no medical. Please correct if I am wrong.

[AffirmBrest]

So BA pilots aren't average then?

I know a couple who definitely are :)

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...proceeding below Decision Height with CAUTION...

[Speedbird 2946]

Lucifer,

The CAA regards Laser Surgery as acceptable so long as you stick by their strict guidelines which include withdrawal of medical for 12 months after surgery and extensive tests and reports. So there is a possibility that you could fail the medical but people please remember that Laser surgery does NOT work for everyone (although the vast majority) and in extreme cases can lead to permanent, incorrectable damage. Be wary of surgery JUST to try and get a Class 1!

Hope this helps,

SB :)

[Rohan]

Hi everyone! Another question from me if anyone can help! Before making any drastic decisions I ought to establish whether i can pass the Class 1 Medical. I had excimer laser treatment on both eyes about 6 years ago (I was short sighted but now I can see again). Is this accepted in the Class 1 Medical? This is the only bit that worries me about the medical but before paying £400.00 or whatever it is I ought to believe I stand a good chance of passing it! Thanks in advance. Steve.

[GAF4139]

My advice: Contact the Medical Division of the CAA in Gatwick and ask them. They are the only ones who can give you a definite answer since they are going to examin you for your initial Class 1 Medical and decide whether you can get one. Their tel. no is 01293 573700 (Call Centre) or 01293 567171 (Switchboard)


GAF4139

[WGW]

I understand the CAA are still a bit funny when it comes to laser eye treatment (BA expressly disallow it, at least for the CEP scheme), but opinions are changing as confidence rises in the success of the treatment. In the next year or two I'm sure it will be no problem. I guess no-one can be 100% sure what the long term effects of laser treatment will be - though every indication is that it should be no problem, the aviation industry and regulatory bodies are understandably strict when there's potentially such a lot at stake.

It's definitely worth calling the CAA - you may find they've changed their rules by now.

WGW

[skysoarer]

Rohan;

Take a look at the CAA's standards at:

http://www.srg.caa.co.uk/pld/med/med_information.asp?page=/medical/SRG_MED_initial_jar_class_1_medical.htm

It says correction of long sightedness is not acceptable but doesn't say that for short sightedness. You ;;;should;;; be alright. I thought a £20 eye test at boots along with a printout of their standards was a good plan before forking out £400 for the CAA medical.

Good luck!

SS

[rwayre]

Are there any good news stories out there about short-sightedness, The Bates Method, and the visual test for a Class 1 medical.

I'm evaluating the prospects of successfully acquiring a CPL(H) licence and my eyesight is the major barrier from what I can see (which isn't much or I wouldn't be here!)

I've had a first session with a Bates practioner and now I'm just hoping. Some confidence inspiring tales would be appreciated.

[ColinF]

Tell us your prescription, it's quite easy to tell whether you're class1 fit or not!(eyesight wise, that is) :rolleyes:

[rwayre]

Kraken

I outside of the proposed limits of -5 dioptres, never mind the existing -3. Hopefully someone out there will tell me that they used to be -6, -7, -8.... and Bates got them within the requirements.

[g10]

search for threads written by "mr magoo" in the "medical" forum....he had success with the bates method.

[QUERY]

My shortsightedness started around puberty, worsened until my mid-teens and then stabilised immediately I stopped using the 'bates method.
All that is widely-known as is the fact that it's best keep to well away from choppers... :p

[inverted flatspin]

bored marketeer Ortho-k would probably work although I believe it can be painful. If you are now outside of the initial limits but within the renewal limits then get ortho-k until you have a low enough prescription to pass the initial then let your eyes return to their normal state and you should be good for renewal.

As for having a diopter limit in the first place well that is just plain and simple bad science. The diopter is not a measure of how well you are seeing it is the strength of your lenses. It's only function is to make sure that your optician and the guy who makes your glasses are on the same page.

My uncorrected vision is 20/50 which is pretty good, I can get around without my glasses or contacts if I have to although I choose not to. My prescription is -2.75 in each eye. I have a friend who has uncorrected vision of 20/200 he is unable to function without his specs, his prescrition is -1.75 in each eye. Although in general the worse your eyesight the stronger the lens this is not true in all cases and if you can be corrected to 20/20 nothing should stand in your way of becoming a pilot.

The FAA used to require a waiver if uncorrected vision was worse than a certain level 20/200 I think was the cut off, everybody who asked for this waiver got it and after a long number of years where the accident statistics of these waivered airmen exactly matched their unwaivered counterparts and their were no accidents where poor eyesight was listed as a causal factor, the FAA dropped the requirement for a waiver. Now all you need is 20/20 with or without correction. A very practical and reasonable bunch the yanks are.

[Sly'n Smiley]

How about colour vision? I was issued with an OZ ATPL on the basis of the Farnsworth Lantern Test.Those plates with the coloured dots look like a pizza to me! Is there an ICAO standard? If so, what countries accept or don't accept this standard??

[Gordon Bennett]

Hi BoredMarketeer. If I was you, I would have the laser surgery to correct your eyesight to within class 1 limits. What I would NOT do is tell Medical Division as they won't give you a medical for a year after the surgery (you can't do that if you already have a class 2 of course!)
My eyesight is outside class 1 limits but I was given a medical after completing 700 hours flying. This was pre-JAR so I don't know if this option is available to you. Apparently the thinking is that a 700 hour pilot is experienced and so they are willing to relax the rules.Failing that get an FAA licence and marry a yank. Where theres a will....

[ColinF]

Gordon Bennett-
I've never known the CAA or JAA to relax their rules for anybody!! Well done on breaking the mold on that one!
As regards Laser correction; they spot that one a mile off at the class 1 initial. When they see it, they don't give you the cert.. Nuff said! :cool:

[Lewis]

Forget Bates. It ain't worth it. It's just another scam. Try to see without your glasses as much as you can and you get pretty much the same effect.

[rwayre]

Must admist I'm not keen on the laser surgery anyway! Guess Mr Bates is going to have to do. So - as at 28th November 2001, I can't pass Class 1. Wish me luck and watch this space (otherwise I shall be off to the States - anyone know any single American lasses of reasonable appearance (with corrected vision!!)). :eek:

[rahaney]

i was prompted to a site which has new proposed regulations for the class 1 and class 2 eyesight requirements not sure when they might be implemented but 2 years is been talked about.

hope this was as good a piece of news for you as it was for me.
http://www.srg.caa.co.uk/documents/medical/SRG_MED_JMSC_News_2001.PDF



:D :D :D :D :D

[rahaney]

for those without acrobat reader heres the page

JAA Medical Subcommittee (MSC) News 2001
See below for a summary of the meetings of the committee and the principal decisions.

For last year’s news see Information/General or click on MSC News in 2000.
March 2001

This meeting mainly discussed changes to the ophthalmology requirements. No consensus
could be reached, and further discussion was deferred to the next meeting (see below).

June 2001
Again, the major topic of discussion was the ophthalmology requirements and the MSC
eventually agreed the changes, but by majority voting. They are summarised below.
However, before they become formally incorporated into JAR FCL 3 (Medical) they need to
be promulgated as a ‘Notice of Proposed Amendment’ (NPA) so that individuals and
organisations can comment. Such comments will be taken into account by the MSC (and
the Flight Crew Licensing Committee, which can overrule a MSC decision) and the proposals
adjusted as necessary. After that there are some legal and administrative procedures to be
followed by the JAA before the new standards become formally incorporated as Joint
Aviation Requirements. This process can take up to two years, particularly for a
controversial subject like ophthalmology. It might be possible for earlier implementation to
occur by the issuance of a ‘Temporary Guidance Leaflet’, but this is unlikely as there was not
unanimous support for the proposed changes. The question of timescales for
implementation will be discussed at the next MSC meeting in late August.
A summary of the proposed Ophthalmology Requirements is given below (note that these
are proposals - see the appropriate Medical Division web pages for the current
requirements).

JAA Class 1 initial:

+5/- 5 dioptres (no requirement for stability)

2 dioptres astigmatism

2 dioptres anisometropia

Refractive surgery: acceptable with a pre-operative refraction between +5 and
-5 dioptres (the UK is already accepting applicants up to these limits with a
good result a year after surgery)

JAA Class 1 revalidation/renewal:

+5/-8 dioptres (an initial applicant between –5 and –8 dioptres cannot gain a
Class 1 certificate, even if stable)

3 dioptres astigmatism

3 dioptres anisometropia

Class 1 holders over 40 years must have an extended eye examination every two
years by an optometrist (or an ophthalmologist if correction is greater than –5 dioptres
or uncorrected visual acuity is worse than 6/60). For pilots under 40 years this two
yearly examination is required for certificate holders who wear glasses or contact
lenses to meet the requirements. Currently the UK CAA is happy for AMEs to do
these examinations (see ‘What’s New’ item on Comprehensive Eye and
Ear/Nose/Throat Examinations)
JAA Class 2 initial:
+5/-8 dioptres
3 dioptres astigmatism
3 dioptres anisometropia
Refractive surgery: acceptable with pre-operative refraction between +5 and -8
dioptres
JAA Class 2 revalidation/renewal:
+5/-8 dioptres
Astigmatism – no limit
Anisometropia – no limit
The UK argued for more relaxed requirements than those stated above, but was
unsuccessful. UK CAA policy changes will be announced on these web pages when
timescales have been agreed for implementation and the exact requirements have been
accepted.
Other items discussed included the relaxation of the limits for Class 1 certificate holders who
develop aortic stenosis (narrowing of the main valve in the heart). There was a long
discussion on psychology requirements, but ultimately no changes were proposed.
Three states brought cases to the committee where the UK had issued initial Class 1
medical certificates to applicants who, according to the three states, did not meet the
standards in JAR-FCL 3. There will be further discussion about this at the next meeting.
However, it may become more of a problem since (in June 2001) the FCL committee
approved NPA 14. This contains the requirement (JAR-FCL 3.065) that all applicants for a
licence must have their initial medical done in the state of licence issue. Thus applicants
may (quite correctly) do an initial medical in their home state before starting to train. If,
subsequently, they decide to train (and eventually apply for a licence) in another JAA state,
they would have to take another initial medical examination in the ‘training’ state. What
would happen if there was a disagreement between the two states over an applicant’s
fitness? Which state would decide? The UK CAA Medical Division feels that amendments
to the regulations, if they do not effect flight safety, should simplify the certification process,
rather than make it more complicated.
July 2001

woohoo!! :D

[ 28 November 2001: Message edited by: rahaney ]

[ColinF]

I stand corrected on corrective surgery!!
I only stated what I was told during my initial 3mths ago. I suppose it just goes to show the level of interest the docs really have in allowing us to fulfill our dreams!
Get your surgery BoredMarketeer me matey, and (with any luck) in a year, you'll be class 1 fit!!!

My heart-felt best wishes to you!!! :cool:

[scroggs]

Sorry, chaps, but this one belongs in 'Medical'.

[nosefirsteverytime]

I've been given the thumbs down by an optician for my one badly short-sighted eye, and he says if I get glasses, the other will get lazy go with it! So is that it? I can never get behind the joystick? Not here in Ireland, not abroad? I don't want just a PPL, even with DC-3 type ratings! Are all the airlines scared of laser surgery? I feel so powerless! Help!

<img src="eek.gif" border="0"> <img src="confused.gif" border="0"> <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

[Fried]

this is my first post so u will have to excuse me if i dont know what im talking about but as a coincidence i sort of got the last nail in the coffin for my pilots carear today. im 18 and wannabe a pilot for the raf but obviously that aint gonna happen, but ive been giving consideration to a navigators position, what do u think???

neway if u get glases, i thought u can fly commercialy, so what if your other eye gets lazy, your hardly gonna get blind and if haveing 2 different lenses in each eye means being able to fly, go for it!

ALSO GET A SECON OPINION, IT ISNT WORTH GIVING UP WHAT U WANT SIMPLY ON BAD ADVICE!

Dave

[redsnail]

Did you see an optician (one who dispenses glasses) or an opthalmic surgeon (doctor who specialises in eyes)? There are ways and means around nearly every thing. It may cost some money and take some time but sometimes a more pleasing result may come your way.
I don't know what your eye measurements are. However, go to an opthalmic surgeon or better yet, see a doctor that is on the CAA's list of approved medical examiners. Let them tell you that you don't meet the standards. Then sort out a strategy to beat it if required.
Good luck.

[tas]

Suggest you get hold of a book called Better Eyesight without Glasses by W H Bates.

tas

[nosefirsteverytime]

Hmmm, I would get the book, but I'd have to have met someone who it WORKED on first. I'm still not convinced by holistics.

[aces low]

Do a search in the medical section on PPRUNE. There are loads of postings about dodgy eyesight. Don't give up...the RAF turned me down (twenty years ago) but my eyesight finally stabilised in my early twenties and is now good enough for the CAA (providing I wear contact lenses). The biggest mistake I ever made (aside from getting married) was giving up on my dream for a decade.

Best of Luck

[Paul Hickley]

Fried,

Be a navigator in the RAF - if you can get in, that is. Competition's pretty hard.

They don't call them that any longer - they're now WSOs (Weapons Systems Officers). Same job, though.

I was one for 29 years. It was good. I got paid the same as pilots and, on a two-seat aeroplane like the Phantom, Buccaneer or Tornado, there is no question that you do the same job and share the same risks. You're totally interdependant - OK, the nav couldn't do his job withoout a pilot, but in most 2-seaters, the pilot couldn't do his job without a nav either.

Go for it. You'll hear a lot of denigration from pilots with an inferiority complex. Disregard them. Do your own thing.

But it's tough. You've got to be good.

Paul

[Hermie]

Indimanana Jones,

I have the book from Bates and I've been using the Bates Method for about 2yrs now. And my eyesight has been improving since then..

Before I was R-6/24 L-6/18, after 2yrs of being patient and practicing my eyesight everyday now its R-6/12 L-6/12. With optical aids its 6/6 for both eyes.

So trust me it works just be very patient. I'm 20yrs old now.

ALL THE BEST

Best Regards,
Herman <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[a.mused]

Don't give up is my advice. Like you, all I ever wanted was to fly. However a RAF Wing Commnader told me I had quote an eye disease unquote when I was 20 and that the end of my dreams - I thought. What he meant was that I was going to be long-sighted and sure enough I am. Okay so I could not go military, but I would have been okay for Class One if he hadn't scared the hell out of me. Three years later I started to wear glasses and my eyes have slowly got worse. But only last month, those nice CAA people gave me a shiny Class One Medical. And what's more, they would probably give you a Class One even if your eyesight was worse than the +/- 3 limits if your prescription will meet the planned limits of +/- 5. And a friend of mine has just had a very similar experience. Please, what ever you do, do not just accept that you might not be able to fly - get specialist advice. Also speak to the CAA: despite what people like to say, they have been fantastic with me (even if #220 is crazy money to issue a PPL). Good luck

[DOC.400]

Don't give up IJ! I went to a BA seminar when I was fifteen -they took one look at my glasses and just said, "Sorry, pal. We're not taking on pilots with glasses" What they didn't add was that it was a BA decision, and I could have easily gone with another airline!! Doh!

Now that the CAA have increased the leeway to +/-5 diaopta, it shouuld cover a lot more potential Class One applicants with 'poor' eyesight.

My corrected vision with contact lenses has been tested as better than 20/20 (20 being the size of the letters second or third up from the bottom of the eye chart -can't quite remember) Without them my hand at arms length is a blur.

So, moral is, don't give up. Try the eye exercises, I 've heard they really can work.

[mickey mouse]

Hi all just a little information that I gathered recently.... the RAF will NOT accept vision problems for pilots at all. I called them again last week to see if by chance anything had changed and I got a very blunt NO, and goodbye, not so much as can we interest you in another field. I have done a Flying Scholarship through the RAF and was told at the time that i could not do anything to do with flying, eg, Pilot, WSO, Air Load Master etc etc. (and before anyone asks no I'm not that short sighted). However keep trying, terms are "subject to change without notice" or so I've heard.

Also you probably wouldnt have a problem getting a Class 1 as far as i know, I got mine about 4 months ago without a problem. I wera contact lenses now, however even wearing of glasses is fine. As with regard to airlines, I always wear contact lenses, A: because I prefer them and B: so if they have any slight preference to a "perfectperson" you at least get a chance to show them what type of person you are before they get a chacnew to prejudge you (not saying that all airlines do....but its worth a try if they might be)

So dont give up hope, my heart sank at the age of 16 just as me and the family left South Africa, when I had to get glasses becasue I knew the SAAF wouldn't take people with eyesight probs..... but there are many other opportunities and things are looking up. For example I am trying to get hold of someone at the careers office in the Marines and Navy...try them they might be less stingy, but the last time i tried about a year ago the Navy turned me down as well. Things may have changed though...

Like a few othere people have suggested exercises may and sometimes can help, I had a friend who had a lazy eye and is now fine...but depends ont the extent etc..

Hope this has been of some help to you and anyone else.

:) <img src="tongue.gif" border="0"> :)

PS: Above all things.. NEVER GIVE UP! I f u want it bad enough you'll get it. People have conquered worse things before, so where there's a will there's a way!

[ 06 January 2002: Message edited by: RAF TopGun ]</p>

[wannabe7]

Hi,
Ive been acepted for a sponsorship to become a commercial pilot and I have never needed glasses before. Recently I have reason to believe that my eyesight may not be as perfect as it used to be.

Im really scared about this and would like to know how bad your eyesight can be with glasses to still get a class 1 medical and also should I go get my eyes tested by an opticians now or what?

please help, Im very scared and confused.

Thank you

[FlyingForFun]

Wannabe,

Congrats on getting the sponsorship!

The exact requirements for your Class 1 medical can be found here (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/SRG_MED_JAR_C1_Initial_Visual_Stds.pdf). However, if you've never needed glasses before, I wouldn't worry - I think it's extremely unlikely that your eyesight would deteriorate from not needing glasses at all, to being outside the limits, in such a short space of time.

If you are really concerned, you should contact the CAA at Gatwick for advice. They may be able to test your eyesight for you for a small fee, saving you (or your sponsor) the cost of the full Class 1, or even more, if your eyesight really is outside the limits.

It also seems only fair that you inform your sponsor if you have any worries. If you can't get a medical then you won't be able to complete the course whatever else happens, so you've got nothing to loose by letting them know straight away, but lots to gain in terms of good will.

Hope it all works out for you. And if not, then don't forget that a Class 2 medical is a lot less stringent, so you may still be able to fly for fun whilst finding a different career for yourself.

FFF
--------------

[High Wing Drifter]

Hi,

Not sure if this helps in any way but: Every now and then I think my eyesight is slipping. So far, I have nailed this down to simply not getting enough sleep. Once I forced my self to go to bed at 22:00 rather than midnight (or beyond) for a few days everything was back to normal.

I understand where FFF is comming from, but I worry that if you speak to your sponsor too soon it may confuse the situation. Personally, I would not say anything until I have had my eyes tested and know for sure one way or the other. But that is me and my judgement, it may well be inappropriate under your specific circumstances.

Just a thought,
HWD.

[wannabe7]

HWD,

Funny you should say that because I have been going to bed rather late recently, mixture of working hard, playing hard and late night phone calls to the girlfriend!

I really hope this is right as Flyinf for Fun said that it is highly unlikely that my eyes could have deteriorated so quickly.

Not long till the end of uni term so will get some good rest soon!

Thank you both for your help, you have really put me at ease!

[LewisS]

'Hi all'

I've recently been perscribed glasses as i'm shortsighted (really badly in one eye and quite bad in the other). I was just wondering how this effects my chances of becoming a pilot?

I currently work as a network analyst and am 23. I'm so bored doing that, so i've decided to do my PPL and was kinda hoping that if that was succesful i'll progress to a CPL and onwards.

But is this dream pointless if i need glasses?

Cheers

Lew

[Stoney X]

Find a local AME and get a medical done. If the doc is friendly enough, and all the AMEs I've come across are, they should be able to advise you before you go if your prescription is going to cause a problem. Having glasses isn't a problem. There are many pilots who wear them, myself included :8 (There's even a smilie especially for us!)

Regards
Stoney

[Playtime_fontayne]

you could try going to the caa website, www.caa.co.uk.

If you look in the medical section i think they have the eyesight standards on there somewhere. Class 1 (professional) are more restrictive than class 2 (PPL)

Hope that helps a bit!

[G SXTY]

I stand to be corrected, but from memory your vision needs to be -5 or better for a Class 1 medical (required for your CPL).

Don't take my word for it though, as already suggested, print off the exact requirements from the CAA website and discuss them with an AME or optician.

[DVR6K]

I had a similar issue a couple of years back. Went to see the CAA for a Class 1, and fell outside the initial limits. But since my prescription had not changed much in the last 3 or 4 years, they issued me with a nice shiny class 1 medical anyway because my eyesight was within the limits for a renewal. Think it's called the "deviation" route or something.

[chipieflyer]

Hi Lewis,

Like DVR6K my eyesight was outside the limits for an Initial Class 1 medical but inside them for the renewal. Having provided my prescription for the last few years to the CAA to show the stability of my eyesight I was issued witha Class 1 Medical with Deviation.

The deviation is considered on an individual basis depending on your past records and is then removed from your medical once your commercial training is completed as you will then be renewing your medical each year.

Hope it works out for you and good luck!

[Robp]

My apologies if their is an earlier thread, couldn't find it. At decision stage at the minute i.e. have my ppl and extra hours, now must decide whether to spend larger amounts to achieve CPL and IR, career change. I have a class 1 medical but do have to wear classes for driving (and flying). Despite having a class 1 medical, am i likely to get over looked by airliners as, without glasses, my eye sight might not be as good as other potentials - to make matter worse i'll be 32 by the time i'm fully qualified.

[Lucifer]

Not a problem.

Go for the best training and all anyone will care about is your aptitude.

[matt_hooks]

As regards the glasses, the airline that discounted pilots who have full class one medical because they have to wear glasses would be very short sighted!

More important is your aptitude and character!

Aviation law requires that you always carry a spare pair of glasses when fyling, but other than this the fact that you don't have perfect vision irrelevant. A class one is a class one! :D

OK so some companies (well, just the one as far as I know, BA) might have slightly higher standards, but if you have all the qualifications and are "the right sort of person" then I think there is a good amount of flexibility in the requirements.

As an aside, I initially failed my class one due to a muscle imbalance in my eye. I have since had corrective surgery involving shortening the imbalanced muscle, and have attained the required standard for class 1 medical. I am currently studying for my ATPL's on an integrated course.

If you are concerned or unsure, and the information available online (see the links to the medical section on the archive thread) is insufficient then it is well worth phoning the CAA medical centre at Gatwick and asking to speak tot he relevant specialist. I found the opthalmologist extremely helpful, and he genuinely seemed gutted when I first went and he had to decline the medical! A thoroughly nice bloke! He even spent half an hour going through the options with me, and trying to see if there was any chance I might be able to have the class one as was!

Good luck to anyone who is going through the medical process!

[miikey]

hey all,

well im new to these forums, names michael and im 17. :}

well ive had one major question on my mind, and that is it more likely for an airline company to employee a person if they have 20/20 vision, over a person such as myself with almost perfect vision ( -1.5 D correctible to 20/20)

I have this notion because it seems only logical if i were the employee to take on a person who could be said is "smack on the spot".
Of course this is dependent on a persons qualifications but,lets pretend both potential employees have have achieved the same qualifications.

what views do you guys n girls have on this?

[Jinkster]

errr..


possible but if you have a medical - you have a medical!!

When i was interviewed they didnt ask if i was on the boundary to wear glasses or not....:8

[dartagnan]

legally, it is not their buiness.and they don't have access to your files!so you can tell them whatever you want to make them happy!
as long you have a medical, you have the right to fly.

[rogueflyer01]

For a pilot position, as long as you hold a class 1 medical thats all that matters :ok:

[future captain]

Hello Michael

I am almost running out the door as I write this so I will be brief.
You have lots of time at 17 to become a pilot. Your eyesight from the info you have given is well within the requirements for a JAA Class 1 even the UK one.

But before you go clambering off to flight school, one thing I am certain of is outside of medicals, a potential employer would like to see that you have gained a little bit of life experience before letting you loose on an airliner.

Get a degree. You will be finished it by the time you are 21. Then take a year off and travel through Asia and South America. After that, you should have a little more "life experience" hours under your belt.

Don't get me wrong, there are 20 year olds out there in the right hand seat and they are great pilots but they have sacrificed, for the moment, the joys of independent travel and seeing the world from a grassroots level.

We'll all still be here when you get back so.....give yourself some time and good luck to you!

Farrell

I done just that ^^^^. Wanted the airline pilot thing badly, it was in my blood stream from a very young age, i thought to myself i should hold out 3 more years and get a degree under my belt, doing computer science at the moment, enjoying it, having a good time playing cricket at a high level now, and getting some life exposure away from home. I have spoke to some very good guys off this forum, who went direct to flight school, so you can still make it without the whole degree thing, it was just a personal decision for me.

ahwell we well see in a few years what will happen, touch wood I will be flying high one day :ok: I don't mind not living the fancy life and having loads of money, having enough to get me by with some extra left for personal use, would suit me just fine. Id rather be in that situation and flying rather than having loads of dosh and not flying.

[miikey]

Hello Michael

I am almost running out the door as I write this so I will be brief.
You have lots of time at 17 to become a pilot. Your eyesight from the info you have given is well within the requirements for a JAA Class 1 even the UK one.

But before you go clambering off to flight school, one thing I am certain of is outside of medicals, a potential employer would like to see that you have gained a little bit of life experience before letting you loose on an airliner.

Get a degree. You will be finished it by the time you are 21. Then take a year off and travel through Asia and South America. After that, you should have a little more "life experience" hours under your belt.

Don't get me wrong, there are 20 year olds out there in the right hand seat and they are great pilots but they have sacrificed, for the moment, the joys of independent travel and seeing the world from a grassroots level.

We'll all still be here when you get back so.....give yourself some time and good luck to you!

Farrell

Getting a degree as you said, is what im really focusing on for time being, and i hope ill be able to go to university after my A-levels and take a course such as Avionics or possibly some other realted course.

And on the exprience part you were talking about, for the time being ive been trying to get a work experience placement or even a part time job at my local airfield.
____________________________________________________________ __
cheers for the feedback everyone, atleast now the eyesight question ive been thinking of is now set aside:)

[PPL152]

Hi there

I am 19 and currently require glasses one with 0.5D and the other 1.0D.

Does this automatically disqualify me from the RAF?


Regards
PPL152

[unicorn_lys]

hi, i'm just a passer-by but would really liked to know more about the requirement to be a pilot. If a person experienced some difficulty in comparing the colours ( you can say it is colour blind, but still manage to differentiate yellow, red, green, blue and some 'simple' colour), is it a gap for him/her to become a aviator in the future?? Sorry, if i made it too difficult to understand.

[ACPT747]

Hey there, i was just wondering what the renewal specifications are for the class 1?

Im 17 i wear glasses and i am just out of the boundry on one eye.

Basically what are my chances, i mean i feel like up to now iv been sacrificying everything to be a pilot.

Im studying Aerospace engineering, Airline and Airport Operations at college.

Could i get it on the renewal, or should i have the laser treatment.

ACPT747

[PPL152]

You can check on the JAA website (www.jaa.nl) or the CAA (www.caa.co.uk) for Civil Medical Requirements.

[scroggs]

PPL 152 Go to the Military Aircrew forum, look through the sticky on RAF recruiting.

Unicorn Colour blindness is not acceptable in a pilot. As far as I am aware, there are no exceptions to this for commercial licences.

Scroggs

[bluepeely]

Hey there, i was just wondering what the renewal specifications are for the class 1?

Im 17 i wear glasses and i am just out of the boundry on one eye.

Basically what are my chances, i mean i feel like up to now iv been sacrificying everything to be a pilot.

Im studying Aerospace engineering, Airline and Airport Operations at college.

Could i get it on the renewal, or should i have the laser treatment.

ACPT747
I'd highly recommend the laser eye, But it isn't for everyone. Visit one and have a chat, the major ones are very professional.:ok:

[Hawk]

Hello Wannabes. You might like to do a search in Medical Forum for discussion also. Eyesight http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=220545 (about 400 posts on the topic).

[unicorn_lys]

scroggs (http://www.pprune.org/forums/member.php?u=5329) Thanks for your advice. For the passenger's safety concern, i think it's time for me to let go and search for another possible career. But it's hard to do so, IT IS... thanks anyway.

[FMC-Compatible]

Good day!

I am 26 and have been envolved with commercial aviation since 20 but only in the office side of the job. I am concidering a career change and would like to train to become an airline pilot.

I am in good health, but I have a rather poor eyesight: -4.75 and -4.5
I heard that nowadays they allow people to fly with corrective lenses/glasses even if your sight is not 100%. But I'd like to know from experienced pilots here if there is a limit to how bad your eyesight can be? Or do they now accept as long as you have 100% sight in corrective lenses? I wear soft contact lenses for over 8 years now.

I need to know this before I go for official med exam. Any advise?

Thank You.

[PPL152]

I guess you can check in the CAA website (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=49) and as far as I know the limit is +/-5. Not sure though.

Also, you might wanna check in the Medical Forum here at PPRuNe.

[Jetscreen]

The CAA recently announced that there had been revisions to the eyesight requirements for Class 1 Medicals. I believe you can now get an initial medical with -6 dioptres (there are limits on anisometropia) and get a renewal with NO lower limit on eyesight.

HTH

[Whirlygig]

FMC,

it'll depend which licence you want to take, i.e. JAA, FAA or South African. In which case, you'll need to check with that particular Authority as the requirements do differ.

Cheers

Whirls

[Al-Bino]

sorry to digg up an old thread like this but i was looking over the CAA's website regarding eye vision and apparently the eyesight range is now +5/-6? is this correct? cause it would be bloody good new for me.

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/SRG_MED-JARClass1InitialVisStds[2189].pdf


Bino :p

[nigelisom]

Yes it is true, and even if you fall slightly outside those limits (as I do) do not despair, go and see the CAA optical guy (very helpful) and get a full examination.
I did just that last month and am now the proud owner of a class 1 medical.
Best of luck
Nigel

[Geege]

My last eye sight test was back in October 2009. So am I right in thinking that I should pass the eyesight test of the Class 1 medical (without glasses):

Sphere (SPH) Astigmatism (CYL) (Axis)
Right + 0.25 -1.25 97.0
Left + 0.25 -1.25 78.0