Failed Class 1, what now?
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Failed Class 1, what now?
Greetings all, I have just returned home from my Class 1 initial exam, where I failed. As far as I am aware, I passed everything other than the eye test. Straight after, the optometrist informed me that I was borderline passing it, and she would check with a colleague. I get pulled in for my next section of the medical (heart, movements, etc.), and the guy sits me down and tells me I failed. I asked whether it was close, and he straight up replies "no," which did confuse me. I asked about a potential eye operation in the future, and he also replied "no", without any reasoning, which later confused me. He gives me the options of either appealing the Class 1 to the CAA, or issuing me a Class 2.
For context, I am an 18-year-old from the United Kingdom, I have amblyopia in my left eye with a prescription +4.5, whilst my right eye is perfect.
Overall, the entire process was a mess—from waiting two hours in reception to not being able to hear for the hearing test due to jets flying straight overhead and a bunch of other things. On top of this, they sent me home without any results or documentation, they just sat me in reception, where 5 minutes later they told me to leave. I have since emailed asking for my results so that I can make the informed decision to whether I will appeal the Class 1, or take the Class 2. I come here to ask what is next for me. I have so far come to the conclusion that I want to get my instructor's license so that I can be earning both money and experience while the main goal is to still fly commercially, as it has always been the dream. I hope that my eyesight is correctable (I can't see how it isn't?), and whether going abroad to be a commercial pilot would be a viable option where the eyesight restrictions are more relaxed. But then it becomes the case of obtaining citizenship, etc.
Today and yesterday have been extremely tough for me, knowing that my dreams since I was a child have potentially been taken from me, I am trying to stay positive throughout the entire ordeal. Anyone who has been in my shoes or could share any information whatsoever, I would appreciate it massively.
Thank you, I will not give up.
For context, I am an 18-year-old from the United Kingdom, I have amblyopia in my left eye with a prescription +4.5, whilst my right eye is perfect.
Overall, the entire process was a mess—from waiting two hours in reception to not being able to hear for the hearing test due to jets flying straight overhead and a bunch of other things. On top of this, they sent me home without any results or documentation, they just sat me in reception, where 5 minutes later they told me to leave. I have since emailed asking for my results so that I can make the informed decision to whether I will appeal the Class 1, or take the Class 2. I come here to ask what is next for me. I have so far come to the conclusion that I want to get my instructor's license so that I can be earning both money and experience while the main goal is to still fly commercially, as it has always been the dream. I hope that my eyesight is correctable (I can't see how it isn't?), and whether going abroad to be a commercial pilot would be a viable option where the eyesight restrictions are more relaxed. But then it becomes the case of obtaining citizenship, etc.
Today and yesterday have been extremely tough for me, knowing that my dreams since I was a child have potentially been taken from me, I am trying to stay positive throughout the entire ordeal. Anyone who has been in my shoes or could share any information whatsoever, I would appreciate it massively.
Thank you, I will not give up.
de minimus non curat lex
You need to make an appointment with a consultant ophthalmologist preferably one with dealings with the CAA.
Look up the medical criteria on the CAA website for initial class one issue.
Look up the medical criteria on the CAA website for initial class one issue.
Join Date: Jul 1999
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Parkfell's advice is good advice. I found the following information from the CAA website regarding visual requirements for a Class 1 and Class 2 medical:
MED.B.070 Visual System
(b) Visual acuity
(1) For a class 1 medical certificate:
(i) Distant visual acuity, with or without correction, shall be 6/9 (0,7) or better in each eye separately and visual acuity with both eyes shall be 6/6 (1,0) or better.
(ii) At the initial examination, applicants with substandard vision in one eye shall be assessed as unfit.
(iii) At revalidation and renewal examinations, notwithstanding point (b)(1)(i), applicants with acquired substandard vision in one eye or acquired monocularity shall be referred to the medical assessor of the licensing authority and may be assessed as fit subject to a satisfactory ophthalmological evaluation.
The following link has guidance regarding amblyopia related to a class 2 medical.
From that it would suggest that the monocularity was the reason for the failure of the class 1 medical initial issue.
You might get more responses if you post your question in Medical and Health
MED.B.070 Visual System
(b) Visual acuity
(1) For a class 1 medical certificate:
(i) Distant visual acuity, with or without correction, shall be 6/9 (0,7) or better in each eye separately and visual acuity with both eyes shall be 6/6 (1,0) or better.
(ii) At the initial examination, applicants with substandard vision in one eye shall be assessed as unfit.
(iii) At revalidation and renewal examinations, notwithstanding point (b)(1)(i), applicants with acquired substandard vision in one eye or acquired monocularity shall be referred to the medical assessor of the licensing authority and may be assessed as fit subject to a satisfactory ophthalmological evaluation.
The following link has guidance regarding amblyopia related to a class 2 medical.
From that it would suggest that the monocularity was the reason for the failure of the class 1 medical initial issue.
You might get more responses if you post your question in Medical and Health
Last edited by Don Coyote; 7th Nov 2023 at 23:23. Reason: Suggested this would be better in Medical & Health
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bakerin , I'd suggest you get in touch with Dr Adrian Chorley at Aviation Vision Services in Heathrow. I had to go see him as I struggle with the Isihara charts. He is a specialist who is a registered consultant to the CAA. He will be able to give you an honest assessment, guidance, etc.
Really hope this helps!
All the best,
Matt
Really hope this helps!
All the best,
Matt
