As long as the astigmatism can be corrected, someone can qualify for a third class medical certificate and become a pilot.
Distant and near vision must be 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction.
Commercial Pilot
To become a commercial pilot, a second class medical certificate must be obtained.
As long as the astigmatism can be corrected, someone can qualify for second class medical certificate and become a commercial pilot.
Pilots must also meet other commercial pilot vision requirements that require distant and near vision to be 20/40 in each eye with or without correction.
If someone is 50 or older, intermediate vision must also be 20/40 with or without correction.
Airline Pilot
To become an airline pilot, a first class medical certificate must be obtained.
Compared to second-class and third-class medical certificates, more stringent requirements must be met, though not when it comes to vision.
When it comes to astigmatism, as long as it can be corrected, someone can qualify for a first class medical certificate and become an airline pilot.
Distant and near vision must be 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction.
If someone is 50 or older, intermediate vision must also be 20/40 with or without correction.
Military Pilots and Astigmatism
Army Pilot
To become an army pilot, astigmatism must be no greater than -1.00 diopters.
Additionally, vision must be no worse than 20/50, though this is correctable to 20/20.
Navy Pilot
To become a navy pilot, astigmatism must be no greater than – 1.00 diopters.
Additionally, vision must be no worse than 20/40, correctable to 20/20.
Fighter Pilot
To become a fighter pilot in the Air Force, astigmatism must be no greater than 1.50 diopters, though there are waivers available for pilots up to 3.00 diopters.
20/30 vision without correction must be met for near visual acuity, and 20/70 or better for distant vision acuity must also be met, though this can be correctable to 20/20.
Pilots Can Wear Glasses
Whether you want to become a private, commercial, airline, Army, Navy, or Air Force pilot, glasses can be worn to correct vision.
Depending on the type of pilot you want to become, you may also be required to carry an extra pair of glasses with you.
Being Color Blind Might Be a Barrier
According to FAR Part 67, “the ability to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties”, is required to obtain either a first-class, second-class or third-class medical certificate.
However, you can be color blind and still become a qualified pilot, though your medical certificate will contain the limitation of not being able to fly at night or by color signal controls.
Steps can be taken to get this lifted, and it will ultimately depend on the severity of the condition and the type of test taken.
If someone wants to become a pilot in any branch of the military, you will not be able to if you are color blind.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
