Seeking Guidance on Color Vision Deficiency for Aspiring Pilot in Hong Kong Hello fe
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Seeking Guidance on Color Vision Deficiency for Aspiring Pilot in Hong Kong Hello fe
Hello fellow aviators,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out to seek advice and insights from the experienced members of this community, especially those who have faced or overcome color vision deficiency challenges.
Last summer, I applied for the Cathay Pacific Cadet Programme and progressed to the final interview, but was deferred for 6 months. Before reapplying, I sought advice from experienced pilots who recommended undergoing a medical check, given my concerns about color deficiency (mild deutan deficiency).
In the process of applying for my Class 1 medical, I encountered challenges, such as failing the Ishihara test, Optec 900, and Color Assessment Diagnostic Test. However, I did pass the Farnsworth flashlight test, which unfortunately is not accepted by the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong.
However, just when I was about to give up, I learnt from an ophthalmologist and bearbear8888's posts that there is still a last resort of doing an OCVT+MFT option to prove my airworthiness.
As an aspiring pilot in Hong Kong with no flight experience, I'm at a crossroads. Should I continue pursuing the Class 1 medical certificate independently, or should I consider applying for the cadet programme first and deal with color deficiency concerns once in the pipeline?
I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences on the latest updates regarding aviation regulations for color-deficient candidates, especially in Hong Kong. What steps can we take, and what might be the most effective approach to navigate through these challenges?
Thank you for your time and insight
I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out to seek advice and insights from the experienced members of this community, especially those who have faced or overcome color vision deficiency challenges.
Last summer, I applied for the Cathay Pacific Cadet Programme and progressed to the final interview, but was deferred for 6 months. Before reapplying, I sought advice from experienced pilots who recommended undergoing a medical check, given my concerns about color deficiency (mild deutan deficiency).
In the process of applying for my Class 1 medical, I encountered challenges, such as failing the Ishihara test, Optec 900, and Color Assessment Diagnostic Test. However, I did pass the Farnsworth flashlight test, which unfortunately is not accepted by the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong.
However, just when I was about to give up, I learnt from an ophthalmologist and bearbear8888's posts that there is still a last resort of doing an OCVT+MFT option to prove my airworthiness.
As an aspiring pilot in Hong Kong with no flight experience, I'm at a crossroads. Should I continue pursuing the Class 1 medical certificate independently, or should I consider applying for the cadet programme first and deal with color deficiency concerns once in the pipeline?
I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences on the latest updates regarding aviation regulations for color-deficient candidates, especially in Hong Kong. What steps can we take, and what might be the most effective approach to navigate through these challenges?
Thank you for your time and insight
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I would continue in the Cathay pipeline, but I would find a way to pass a Class One earlier if you can. That way you will know if you can be a pilot or not sooner rather than later, and prevent your wasting time that you could have invested into another trajectory if you find yourself failing the medical six months or a year into the recruitment process.
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I would continue in the Cathay pipeline, but I would find a way to pass a Class One earlier if you can. That way you will know if you can be a pilot or not sooner rather than later, and prevent your wasting time that you could have invested into another trajectory if you find yourself failing the medical six months or a year into the recruitment process.
Thank you for the reply, that’s what most pilots suggest me to do. I’m already in the middle of applying for a class one to find out if I can be a pilot or not.
Unfortunately, failing those colour vision tests means that maybe only bearbear8888 or other colour deficient pilots know what else I can do to confirm my eligibility.
Also, as I’m not a cadet of cathay yet, I have no way of getting in touch with their in-house aeromedical staff.
are you a pilot with colour deficiency? Do you know of anyone who might be able to help?
Thank you very much.
best regards,
Gf0rce
There is no garantee of a career with Cathay.
It may very well be possible that you’ll be changing airlines at some point.
They, or their regulators may not accept your solution for a Class 1.
It may very well be possible that you’ll be changing airlines at some point.
They, or their regulators may not accept your solution for a Class 1.
Last edited by B2N2; 12th Mar 2024 at 11:47.
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Hello Capn Bug Smasher,
Thank you for your valuable input. I am indeed considering the option of continuing in the Cathay Pacific pipeline while simultaneously working towards obtaining my Class 1 medical certificate. Your suggestion aligns with the advice I received from some experienced pilots.
May I ask if you have personal experience with color vision deficiency or if you know of any Hong Kong-based pilots who have gone through the process of obtaining their Class 1 medical with color vision challenges? Any insights or contacts within Cathay Pacific's in-house aeromedical staff or flight instructors who have experience with SLT, MFT, or OCVT would be incredibly beneficial.
Your guidance is much appreciated.
Best regards,
Gf0rce
Thank you for your valuable input. I am indeed considering the option of continuing in the Cathay Pacific pipeline while simultaneously working towards obtaining my Class 1 medical certificate. Your suggestion aligns with the advice I received from some experienced pilots.
May I ask if you have personal experience with color vision deficiency or if you know of any Hong Kong-based pilots who have gone through the process of obtaining their Class 1 medical with color vision challenges? Any insights or contacts within Cathay Pacific's in-house aeromedical staff or flight instructors who have experience with SLT, MFT, or OCVT would be incredibly beneficial.
Your guidance is much appreciated.
Best regards,
Gf0rce
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Hello B2N2,
I appreciate your cautionary advice about the uncertainties in the aviation industry and potential challenges with medical solutions. Currently, my primary goal is to break into the aviation industry, and I understand that airlines may change throughout my career.
If you have any insights into alternative options for cadets in Hong Kong or if you know of individuals who have successfully navigated color vision deficiency challenges in the region, your guidance would be highly valuable.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Gf0rce
I appreciate your cautionary advice about the uncertainties in the aviation industry and potential challenges with medical solutions. Currently, my primary goal is to break into the aviation industry, and I understand that airlines may change throughout my career.
If you have any insights into alternative options for cadets in Hong Kong or if you know of individuals who have successfully navigated color vision deficiency challenges in the region, your guidance would be highly valuable.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Gf0rce
Unfortunately I cannot give you any specific information just a general caution.
Countries have their own aviation regulating authorities and even being ICAO member states does not mean they’ll adhere to exactly the same medical certification standards.
A specific test may be accepted in one country and not the next.
The employer or regulator may or may not accept a ‘foreign issued’ medical.
For instance Air Vietnam may or may not accept a Hong Kong issued medical for employment.
Countries have their own aviation regulating authorities and even being ICAO member states does not mean they’ll adhere to exactly the same medical certification standards.
A specific test may be accepted in one country and not the next.
The employer or regulator may or may not accept a ‘foreign issued’ medical.
For instance Air Vietnam may or may not accept a Hong Kong issued medical for employment.
It may not necessarily be helpful to your case but some info none the less:
https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/655674-empire-strikes-back-colour-defective-pilots-again.html
https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/655674-empire-strikes-back-colour-defective-pilots-again.html
