Backcountry Pilot • MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

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MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

Howdy all

As of next Mo there will be some major changes

Long and short

1)
If you need a first issuance medical, or know someone who does, and think you might have even the slightest issue with color vision, get it right meow
The new color vision testing is harder and you will have fewer alternate test options

But there is good news, the feds used some logic and once you have passed a color vision test you won’t be retested shy of catching some very rare condition that changes your color vision. If you already have an existing medical without a color vision limitation you ALSO will not need to be tested for color vision ever again.


2)
Make sure you have ALL your ducks in a row before going in for a medical, as in if in doubt do a mock medical WITHOUT providing your meds express number, if you are missing anything you won’t walk out with a medical and get the letter to submit XYZ in 60 days, you’ll be denied in office (less paperwork for the work from home feds I guess)



“ * All previous paper and non-digital color vision testing will NO LONGER be permitted.



* All color vision testing will be replaced by 'modern digital testing equipment'.



* Testing will screen for both traditional red/green color deficiency as well as the less common yellow/blue color deficiency.



* Any current pilot with a color vision restriction MUST take one of the new digital tests.

- If they pass, the restriction will be removed



* Airmen with existing medical certificates are NOT required to undergo additional color vision testing unless:

- Develop a medical condition associated with acquired color vision loss

- Taking a medication known to cause color vision changes (Accutane)



* NO PLANS to adjust air traffic controller color vision standards”

https://www.goflightmedicine.com/post/f ... ng-updates
NineThreeKilo offline
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Re: MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

Great news for myself and a couple friends who barely pass those color blind tests. Thanks for the info!
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Re: MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

I'm color deficient, one of my many deficiencies. I really need to get the SODA knocked out, there's no changes to that process, right?
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Re: MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

CParker wrote:I'm color deficient, one of my many deficiencies. I really need to get the SODA knocked out, there's no changes to that process, right?


My understanding is IF you get it done this month, no changes, after this month it goes to the new digital testing.

the link in my first post has more details on all of this


I BELIEVE this is one of the new tests and it appears they have a free trial if you want to see how you would do

https://waggonerdiagnostics.com/pages/wccvt
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Re: MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

Found this RE the color vision testing requirement, figured it might help clear things up

Image

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_proce ... item52/amd
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Re: MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

Thanks for that.

Looks like my path hasn't changed. I just need to get the damn SODA done, but the risk is that the result is irreversible. If you fail the SODA, you cannot retake any test to remove the color vision restriction.
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Re: MAJOR changes to color vision testing & deferrals

CParker wrote:Thanks for that.

Looks like my path hasn't changed. I just need to get the damn SODA done, but the risk is that the result is irreversible. If you fail the SODA, you cannot retake any test to remove the color vision restriction.


Check out that sample test I linked too, I got no dog in this fight, but my understanding is the new digital test stuff is harder than the old plates and probably for sure harder than the Soda, especially if you find a field with good lights and do a dry run first

If you do the SODA make sure you tie it to a medical at the highest class you’ll ever want


Got to the end of the mo I guess
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