Colour Vision Deficiency - Pilot Careers

[Chris Taylor]

I have a Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD) and failed all 3 of CASA's CV tests. The restrictions CASA have imposed are unable to hold a ATPL, fly internationally without the country's permission and only fly by day VFR. The point I am at is whether or not to pursue an aviation career as a CPL, pay the pricey training fee's only to be fairly unemployable due to these restrictions. The questions I have or more the experience employers have with employing pilots that can only fly by day VFR. The information I'm gathering it seems like a pretty big restriction.

I have a friend who fly's sea planes, enjoys it but doesn't get paid much. I assume roles like tourism, crop dusting, short range charter, etc, would be the sectors favorable as most is done during the day.
Does anyone else have any experiences they would like to share to help make an informed decision in pursuing?
To me flying isn't about making big dollars, it's about doing a job you love...but have you to be employable!

Thanks in advance!

[Brakerider]

Have a look at New Zealand CAAs rules as they recently had a big change on CVD Pilots. You may be able to hold an Unrestricted ATPL there.

[Stationair8]

Article in The Australian Aviation section on the 16th August about a RFDS Queensland pilot, that was told he would never fly commercially due to being colour blind.

[Lead Balloon]

As Brakerider said, look to NZ Chris.

If the third test you took was the CAD test, that test has been unlawfully imposed by CASA. CASA will be shamed and embarrassed into complying with the law eventually, but you're better off not dealing with an organisation like that to the extent possible.

You should already be a member of the CVDPA. If you're not, join and have a chat to John O'Brien or Arthur Pape.

(Stationair8: CVD pilots are not colour "blind".)

[Chris Taylor]

Thanks guys. It was the CAD test I conducted last and failed. Protane deficient.
NZ CAA give more freedom for CVD pilots in providing more operational testing which I think is a lot fairer considering there has only been one "CVD related" incident in commercial flying history. Until it becomes standardised across other international bodies I would only be restricted to flying in NZ? (from what I believe, please correct me if I'm wrong). CAA does not mention anything about not being able to hold a ATPL licence only that you would need to be in radio contact with a controlled aerodrome which is very likely in most cases. Again, I would have to pass the night time OVCA component.

As far as the rest of my vision, I passed with flying colours, so yes not blind haha. I will have a look into that article you suggested.

I'm very familiar with the CVDPA page but yet to join. That will be my next step in chasing info.

[Arthur Pape]

Hi Chris,
Your story is all too familiar. However, there is now a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. Following a resounding success in New Zealand, the fight for justice for all pilots in your situation in Australia is very active and making excellent progress. As a member of the CVDPA you are now an active part of that fight, so I encourage you to make a start on achieving your career dreams now. I would welcome a call from you, or any CVD pilot, to let you know what is happening behind the scenes. My mobile number is 0412522394 and my email address is [email protected]
Arthur Pape

[Blueskymine]

The CASA head of aviation medicine who put the wrecking ball through the progress you CVD pilots have made is also gone correct?

Id head to NZ bud and start your training/career there. Come back when we’ve finally tucked the CASAs shirt back in.

[Clare Prop]

AFAIK people who fail the colour vision tests can still fly at night, IFR and CPL just not ATPL, has this changed?

[Lead Balloon]

Originally Posted by Blueskymine

The CASA head of aviation medicine who put the wrecking ball through the progress you CVD pilots have made is also gone correct?

Id head to NZ bud and start your training/career there. Come back when we’ve finally tucked the CASAs shirt back in.

The ‘triumvirate’ has gone but their legacy remains in Australia in the form of the CAD test (rather than a test that simulates an operational situation as required by the law).

[Chris Taylor]

Hi Authur, thank you for offering your assistance. I may take you up on the offer in the near future. I have just had a phone call with John and it was very uplifting giving light at the end of the tunnel. He answered a lot of my concerns and it's good to see NZ is on the front foot. It definitely gives me a good degree of reassurance that the investment is worthwhile.

I'm sure there are other threads out there but I'll ask here anyway, any recommendations on flight schools in Australia? I have the freedom to relocate, preferably the eastern side of the country.

Thank you again for everyone's input and support, career asperations were getting very grey!

[vee1-rotate]

My apprehension to pursuing a flying career after I found out I had colour vision deficiency, was the possibility of rules that may change in my favour, allowing me to drop a bucket-load of cash on licences and perhaps get a few years in to a career, before those same rules were change again and cause me to overnight, become an ATP with no medical.

Stopped me in my tracks years ago.