Color Vison Test
Posted by TossAway2193@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 17 comments
I’m seeking clarification on the new FAA color vision test requirements. I currently hold an unrestricted First Class Medical. In the past, I’ve needed to use alternative tests to pass, though my color vision deficiency is very mild. My most recent medical was issued on 11/24.
From my understanding of the updated guidelines, if a pilot has already passed a color vision test under the old standard, they are not required to retake the test. My question is: if a pilot allows their First Class Medical privileges to lapse and begins exercising Third Class privileges, would they be required to take the new color vision test when renewing First Class privileges?
Based on what I’ve read, it seems they would not. However, since my First Class Medical is valid through the end of November, I want to be sure that if I let my First Class privileges lapse, I won’t be required to take the new test.
LikenSlayer@reddit
Correct, you are grandfather in and "will not" need to pass again. AME should issue a certificate going forth. HOWEVER!! FAA site does not state anything about going to 3rd class then bumping back up to 1st later. As it reads, do not fall out of 1st or 2nd class or you might be in a bind.
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/item52/amd
flyingron@reddit
No, it does not. READ THE LINK YOU POSTED.
The only time upgrading from a third class to a first requires retesting is if you got your third based on the SODA/LDE (you got your unrestricted third based on a the light gun test).
Snewbanks31@reddit
Yes!!! Finally someone that understand how to read it correctly. My AME did not get this and had me retake it.
TossAway2193@reddit (OP)
Thats kinda what I thought. I am going in for my medical next month so it shouldn't be a problem. I was just concerned that in the event my medical is deferred, I would need to pass the new test.
LikenSlayer@reddit
I'd just play it cool when you go in. Let them do their "flow". Once they see you are just renewal of certificate, you shouldn't even take it. Some offices might forget & make you try and do it it again. In which, you should reply stating or even showing them the FAA rule effective 1/1/2025. Start remember which AME are chill. They aren't all cut from same cloth..lol
Best of luck!
TossAway2193@reddit (OP)
Will do. I have been seeing the same AME for several years now who is well aware of my color vision deficiency. I was just concerned that in the event my 1st class privileges lapse and I am exercising third class privileges, I would have to take the new exam.
flyingron@reddit
Again, you do not. First, you still have a first, it's just not valid for ATP work when it lapses. Second, the only time you have to retest is if your third class was issued based on the light gun SODA.
anon__a__mouse__@reddit
You do not need to retake the test for the length of your medical. I am in the same boat ... my 1st class medical was in 2022, I am now exercising 3rd class privileges and won't need to retake the computer color test as long as I renew within the 5 years the medical is valid.
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Color_Vision_Testing_Flowchart.pdf
TossAway2193@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the clarification. I reviewed the flow chart myself and found it a little confusing. I interpreted the section stating “pilot wants to upgrade to a higher class and/or wants limitation removed” to mean that if your first-class privileges had expired, you would need to take the new color vision test upon renewal.
mild-blue-yonder@reddit
You don’t need to retake that test ever since you previously passed an acceptable vision test at the class 1 level. Only initial exams at the certificate level require a test.
flyingron@reddit
It doesn't matter what the level is. The chart is kind of scrogged. It should have two entry points. The upgrade thing only applies to people who got an unrestricted third class with the light gun test (OCVT). Those have to test again to remove the restriction or upgrade (that test was only good for the third, you had to do a medical fligth test for the second/first).
mild-blue-yonder@reddit
Learning something new everyday
flyingron@reddit
No, if you ever had an unrestricted medical, it means you passed the color test or did the OCVT/MFT. You do not need to ever test again.
The "upgrade" stuff is there to catch people who had an unrestricted third class that only did the OCVT (light gun test) and not the medical flight test.
flyingron@reddit
You never have to take them PERIOD. It you ever passed one of the old tests(or did the full up OCVT/MFT), you NEVER have to take it again. A lapsed certificate is not a "FIRST TIME APPLICANT" on that flowcahrt.
flowchart
flyingron@reddit
You are correct. Unless you got a restriction on your previous medical for no light signals or whatever, the fact you passed means yoiu NEVER have to take it again. Even if you let your medicals lapse.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m seeking clarification on the new FAA color vision test requirements. I currently hold an unrestricted First Class Medical. In the past, I’ve needed to use alternative tests to pass, though my color vision deficiency is very mild. My most recent medical was issued on 11/24.
From my understanding of the updated guidelines, if a pilot has already passed a color vision test under the old standard, they are not required to retake the test. My question is: if a pilot allows their First Class Medical privileges to lapse and begins exercising Third Class privileges, would they be required to take the new color vision test when renewing First Class privileges?
Based on what I’ve read, it seems they would not. However, since my First Class Medical is valid through the end of November, I want to be sure that if I let my First Class privileges lapse, I won’t be required to take the new test.
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AutoModerator@reddit
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: color vision.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
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