If you have astigmatism, you might be wondering if it will be a barrier to becoming a pilot.
Pilots can have astigmatism, as long as it can be corrected.
This is because astigmatism, if not corrected, can cause blurred vision at any distance, which would be dangerous when piloting an aircraft.
Whether you can become a pilot with astigmatism also depends on the severity of the condition and the type of pilot you want to become.
Can You Be a Pilot With Astigmatism?
Private Pilot
To become a private pilot, a third class medical certificate must be obtained.
As long as the astigmatism can be corrected, you 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, you 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 you are 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 your vision.
When it comes to astigmatism, as long as it can be corrected, you 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 you are 50 or older, intermediate vision must also be 20/40 with or without correction.
Army Pilot
To become an army pilot, astigmatism must be no greater than -1.00 diopters.
Additionally, your 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, your 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.
Can a Pilot 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.
Can a Pilot Be Color Blind?
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 your condition and the type of test you take
If you want to become a pilot in any branch of the military, you will not be able to if you are color blind.
John is a highly skilled and dedicated Certified Flight Instructor with a passion for teaching students of all ages how to fly, and takes enormous pride and satisfaction seeing his students become licensed pilots.
After holding various roles in the aviation industry as a pilot, John decided to become a flight instructor, and for the past decade has worked at several flight schools that offer pilot training programs of all levels, due to the rewarding nature of the job.
John has been quoted or mentioned in major publications, including Chron, Flying Mag, and National Review.
