Class 2 medical renewal re eyesight

[CharlieDeltaUK]

I had an optician appointment today and he got me worried when he mentioned that my vision could yet change (I'm in my 40s, and my eyesight is only just within the Class 2 limits). I just looked at the CAA website and, if I understand it correctly, there is no sight test on renewals of your medical for class 2. Have I got that right?

[John R81]

No.

Just had mine again and there was a test. I always take along my opticians form with my prescription but they still have you read the card as well.

John

[alistair.baker]

There is an eyesight test for the Class 2 medical renewal indeed. But unlike for the initial issue, there is no limit on your vision before correction: you will only be tested on your corrected eyesight.

[KembleKid]

I had my class 2 renewal yesterday and was tested with and without glasses. Just had the usual limitation of "Shall wear corrective lenses & carry a spare pair of spectacles" added to the certificate.

[CharlieDeltaUK]

I just re-read the CAA docs and you chaps are correct. There IS a test, but Alistair is correct when he says that they just check your corrected vision - there are no 'myopic limits'

[Dr Jekyll]

If you used to have a medical but let it expire, is it still a renewal?

[Gertrude the Wombat]

If you used to have a medical but let it expire, is it still a renewal?
Might depend on the AME.

I had a medical under the old rules, when there wasn't a prescription limit in the first place, and then let it lapse for thirteen years.

I was somewhat concerned about the new limit that had come in whilst I didn't have a medical, but the AME just said "your eyesight with glasses is better than most of my customers, so I'll pass you". There was a "non-JAA compliant" rubber stamp the first couple of years, but nobody abroad ever seemed to care about it. In particular the Canadians were happy with it despite the fact that I didn't meet their eyesight requirements either!

[patowalker]

If you don't meet the initial myopic limits for a JAA Class 2, you can get be tested at the renewal standard, i.e. corrected vision, if you present them with an ICAO compliant PPL. So an FAA Class 3 medical and FAA PPL get you over the obstacle.

Class 3 Pilot Vision Standards (http://flightphysical.com/part67/Class3/67subd_67303.htm)

[meliair]

Regarding the myopia limits for an initial Class 2 medical.


According to CAA, myopia for a Class 2 initial should not exceed -6 which is the same as for a Class 1 initial.
Initial Class 2 (Private Pilot) Medical Examination | Medical | Personal Licences and Training (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=528)


However, if you drill into the vision standards link, under acceptable means of compliance there is not such limit for the initial test of Class 2. The -6 limit for the initial test applies ONLY for Class 1. The only limit for Class 2 initial or renewal/revalidation is to have a visual acuity of 6/9 with or without correction.
Visual System GM | Medical | Personal Licences and Training (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=49&pagetype=90&pageid=13885#EyeEx2)


To confuse matters further, the following guidance document states that a limit of -8 applies for an initial class 2 medical.
https://www.caa.co.uk/docs/49/SRG_MED_JAR_C2_Initial_Visual_Stds(March2011).pdf




Does anybody know why/if there a discrepancy here? Does the CAA enforce more onerous rules for a Class 2 initial than EASA?


Regards