New Eyesight Standards

[Ridgerunner]

Hello everyone,

Could anyone please confirm that the RAF eyesight standards are now in line with the Royal Navy and if so, what the new standards are? I've heard this mentioned from various people but no one has been able to give me facts.

Cheers,

RR

[airborne_artist]

The major difference between the two is the colour vision standard - or rather, the testing.

RN CP2 and the RAF's highest standard (CP = colour perception) are assessed by passing the Ishihara plate test, but RN CP1 (aircrew/warfare officers) is tested using Holmes-Wright lantern at half-intensity, in order to comply with Board of Trade watchkeeping officers' standards.

In reality, if you pass Ishihara, you'll almost certainly get CP1 as well.

[Ridgerunner]

As far as I'd heard it was visual acuity that had changed to be in line with RN.

RAF is 6/6 uncorrected
RN is 6/12 uncorrected as of '07

Is this true?

[Bismark]

RAF is 6/6 uncorrected

If it is why is Prince William allowed to serve as a pilot in the RAF. His eyesight was way below this when he started flying the Firefly.

[Benjybh]

I believe this was because he transferred from the Army, but don't quote me on that.