Does anybody know how this will effect those who currently have deviations?

New Eyesight Limits
 

Hi guys,

This is my 1st reply on this website but it is excellent. Basically I havnt even started training yet as I am right on the boundary for my eyesight, just over when wearing glasses but under for contacts, unfortunately this would mean I would have to have a class 1 with a deviation.

However, I attended the Flyer Professional Pilot Show at Heathrow on Saturday and almost every training company was there including the CAA. I spoke to the TOP MEDICAL DOCTOR WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE STOPPING ISSUING DEVIATIONS BASED ON EYESIGHT IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS BUT ARE INCREASING THE INITIAL LIMIT TO -6 DIOPTRES. He couldnt tell me when this would come in but advised me to "watch the CAA website". Assuming this happens, this is excellent news for the likes of myself who should pass the Class 1, based on eyesight anyway.

Thought I'd share this important info.

According to this UK CAA announcement, Amendment 5 of JAR-FCL 3 will come into effect on 1 December 2006.

Sounds like the issuing of deviations will end then as well. So if you're between -6 and -8 it's probably already too late, as I doubt you'd get an appointment before the end of the month :(

And there I was hoping that "sometime soon" was in the context of international standardisation...

Anyone know if you can still get an FAA initial, do FAA training in the states, and comes back for a JAA renewal?

I've just phoned Medical Division of CAA; they told me IT'S NOT TRUE they will stop issuing fist class with deviation the first of December!

:rolleyes:

ACIDO

I just called the Medical Division to try and see if my Class 1 with short-term deviation was safe until I completed CPL training...

They appear to know nothing about the deviation route for class 1s being stopped; they would like to know the name of the person who advised that the deviation route would be stopped within the next few weeks.

Socloss (or anybody else): did you catch the name of the doctor who was at the Flyer conference on Saturday and told you that they would be stopped imminently?

I've got a short term deviation based on excess astigmatism and if the new standards are applied and the deviation route removed, it looks as though I'll be stuffed :{

waterpau

You and me both mate...Can't imagine they can suddenly just turn the tap off on deviations. What about all those with long term ones, do they have to stop flying. Think it might be a case of the 'Tale wagging the Dog'
From CAA web
CLass 1 certificate with deviation and EASA
The UK presented a working paper that raised the issue of pilots who currently hold class 1 medical certificates as deviations. Currently these pilots hold medical certificates that restrict them to aircraft registered in the state of medical certificate issue. As these medical certificates issued as deviations are still ICAO compliant, they are valid for international flights. However, if under EASA the acceptance or issue of medical certificates outside the requirements is not possible, then the concern is that current pilots with medical certificates issued as deviations may have their flying privileges restricted, and in the future the flexibility of using accredited medical conclusion may not be possible. To address this, and other similar supra national issues, the UK will be chairing a working group that will propose possible future arrangements.
Is it panic over ?
Anybody know the outcome ?

Deviations stopping
 

I'm afraid I didnt catch the CAA medical chap's name as there were literally hundreds of people eager to talk to him but he is the top doctor there.

One thing though, if they stop issuing deviations, it wont mean that exisiting deviations become invalid Im sure as that is ridiculous. They would simply make it more simple by easing the restrictions and simply making a Class 1 either a yes or no outcome, as opposed to a maybe.

The CAA are very cagey on the phone and some of the advisors may not actually know about it yet as I get the impression it's meant to be under wraps but we will see. If they intend a change to be implemented in December, it's more likely going to be in the new year I expect.

I also found out that when initially trying to book a Class 1, if you're prepared to have an 8.45am appointment, there is little waiting - a few days but the 12.45pm ones are about a 2 week wait.

f anyone has any other info that would be good.....

I've just spoken to the CAA again; I was told that this has been an issue today and there was a meeting earlier about medicals with deviations. Apparently "somebody thought there were going to be changes" but "they don't know what the changes are or when they're going to take place." They advised to keep checking the website.

So that's settled, then. :confused:

Yes thats what I was told when I tried them.

I think what we have to accept is that there are going to be imminent changes regarding deviations (whether or not they take them away) and/or relaxing the limits on refractive error. Im convinced they are trying to keep things secret before announcing them publically on the website which is why they just advise us to watch the website.:ugh:

All we can do is wait I guess:(

I'm sure is that the folk at Gatwick will find a way to continue in some way, shape or form. I've always found them very helpful and they do fight our corner.

Hear hear, CFG. I hope my previous posts didn't imply negativity - the chaps at Gatwick, particularly Adrian Chorley and Gerry Emms, have been excellent in the past. It can take a bit of shouting to get their attention, but once you have it they're fabulous.

I'm sure they'll find some way to keep us all in the saddle, and allow as many others as is safely possible...

And apologies if this thread has moved slightly off track! :}

waterpau

Absolutely, to be fair to the people at Gatwick, they are as quick as possible, they are probably just short staffed.

Adrian Chorley is the chap I specifically have to see, Ive also hard good things about him. Apparantly the cost of the Class 1 Initial has reduced to c.£300 which is excellent news.:ok:

Does anyone know how the CAA treats one eye outside the limits and one eye in. Is that a fail ?

Cheers

Failed class 1
 

Or one ear.
Has anyone been in the same position as myself. I've just failed my class 1 with one ear being below the initial and renewal level. I've still got another ear that works perfectly. any help would be appreciated.
Weave.

Does anyone know when amendment 5 of FCL-3 will be published??

The amendment will be in force from 1st of December; it should be published soon.

Bye

ACIDO:)

hmm, slit lamp. Dont try to hide any eye surgery. The slit lamp is a routine eye examination. Some AMC even use a topograph which detects eye surgey quite easy.

Which are those AMC?

ACIDO:hmm:

AMC Spain, AMC Greece does it as standard examination for the initial. I think that U.K CAA does it in some cases. I am pretty sure that more AMC use it.

Also remember that LASIK leaves more often than not, very tiny scars which can be dected with slit lamp. Although PRK does not leave any scars it can be detected with a topograph.

I think its very risky to conseal any eye surgery. Personally I would never be able to go to sleep without worrying about that they will revoke my license next day.