I am a student in high school who is currently colorblind. I was really looking forward to becoming a pilot, but it looks like me being colorblind will make it difficult. Do you guys know of any pilots that are colorblind because i don’t wanna let go of my dream that quick and wanna try my best to get it done. What do you recommend I should do?
Joseph,
There are a few threads on the subject if you do a search. The bottomline is there are alternate tests a AME (aviation medical examiner) can use, that if you can pass, will allow you to obtain a medical and fly. I recommend you contact an AME in your area for a consultation.
Adam
Thank you Adam for responding, I was also wondering on if you know any pilots that are colorblind, I am genuinely scared that it’s not possible.
Joseph,
I’m sure there are and I’m sure I do, I’m just not aware of it. People don’t generally advertise their medical challenges.
Adam
I hope it works out because I really wanna become an airline pilot
Joseph,
Definitely consult with your AME. There are varying degrees of color blindness, some affect the career much more than others.
Chris
They are requesting a fee for the check up, do you recommend I pay that and do it. It’s basically the medical exam. I can either ask if me being colorblind would work or just get an appointment and pay the 150$
Well, the only way to see a doctor is to pay for it. If you want an official answer, you will need to pay for their expertise.
There are many variations of color blindness, this is something that cannot be diagnosed over the telephone.
I’ve been into an online test and came out to be strong deuctan. I’ll most likely get the appointment but am scared that this can possibly end my career. I hope its possible to become a airline pilot while being colorblind:(
Joseph,
Keep in mind that the FAA has very valid, safety related concerns that leads to these requirements. Being able to discern different colors is very important in aviation. The appointment will not be what ends your career, the color blindness will be.
I would not make major career decisions based on online tests. You need to make an appointment and go in.
Chris
There’s only one way to know for sure and that’s to take the exam. Before you do I would make sure the AME is familiar with alternate color vision tests.
Adam
My physician is an instrument rated private pilot and happens to be color blind. He said his dream was to be an airline pilot, but could not achieve a first (or second class, I believe) medical due to his condition. He appealed the FAA’s decision and it came down to whether or not he could differentiate the colors from an actual light gun being shot on his plane’s windshield from a control tower. Unfortunately he could not, however he did end up going to medical school and becoming a great Dr.
I take this story with a slight grain of salt, as the city I currently live in is known for embellishing story tellers, but the guy is a physician…
Also, I wonder why the FAA wouldn’t be concerned about his ability to read VFR sectionals as a private pilot?
