Hey everyone, I’ve been serious thinking about joining flight school in the coming year to become a commercial pilot. My only concern its my eyesight is truly awful… I have -4.75 in my left eye and -3.0 in my right, which is essentially 20/400 vision. I have contacts and glasses that get me to 20/20 and I wear them all the time, but I read somewhere that I need 20/200 uncorrected to fly. Can somebody give me a final say on this?
Ben,
When it comes to anything as far as medicals we ALWAYS recommend you contact an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) but the FAA is pretty clear on vision stating you must have 20/20 or better with or without correction. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0ahUKEwj45JL-stLWAhUhxlQKHavPDiMQFgg7MAM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.faa.gov%2Fabout%2Foffice_org%2Fheadquarters_offices%2Favs%2Foffices%2Faam%2Fame%2Fguide%2Fmedia%2Fsynopsis.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0KHQrwnJZhcATtqQSmT4QM
I’ve never seen anything regarding 20/200 uncorrected being a limiting factor but again you should always check with a professional.
Adam
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Ben,
I have never heard of th 20/200 uncorrected restriction. My knowledge is that if you can be corrected to 20/20, you are good to go.
For an official answer, I recommend contacting an FAA Medical Examiner and asking your question, you might need to make an appointment to do so. They are the official word on all such things.
Chris
My vision is 20/700 but I know I can still get a license with my glasses
Thanks all the replies… very reassuring. I’m not sure where the first numbers I pulled came from, but I’m glad to have an official reference.
Ben,
To be clear, the official reference will come from your FAA medical examiner, not from us.
Chris