Are there any color blind pilots?

Question

with little bit of color deficiency.

Answer 1

Yes.  If you are color blind you will need to demonstrate the ability to see certain different colors in order to get a SODA (Statement Of Demonstrated Ability) and qualify for a medical certificate.

You may be surprised to learn that there are deaf pilots too.

Answer 2

many

Answer 3

Actually yes... I am one.  I have problems with a lot of colors and initially had a restriction on my medical for no night flying (because you need to differentiate between the red and green lights on aircraft at night) and the restriction also stated that if I lost comms I could not go into a towered airport (light gun signals are used to clear aircraft to land, taxi, go around, and a number of other things).  The colors that the FAA needs you to differentiate are only red, green, and white.

Because I planned on becoming a professional pilot, for obvious reasons, the restriction of no night flying greatly decreased my chances in this field.  It was initially discovered by my AME when I took in records from my optomitrist that I had failed those color plates at his office.  

What I got was a waiver from the FAA.  I opted for the light gun test.  I set up a test with my local FSDO to go to a towered airport, have the light gun flashed at me, and me tell the FAA what color I was seeing.  The FAA doesn't care what color you think it looks like (if the green looks blue to you-- who cares?) as long as you can tell the difference between the three colors (red, green, and white).  It was not difficult for me.  I, personally, don't have a problem with artificial colors-- my problem is more of telling green from brown in nature.  Once I took the light gun test the FAA issued me an unrestricted medical (other than I have to wear glasses) on the spot.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a SODA.  Apparently they used to give SODA's for color deficiency, but in my letter of waiver it specifically has the sentence "this is not a SODA".  This says that no deficiency exists in the FAA's eyes so essentially for some reason it does not fall in the SODA area.  This test is good for life.  I carry the letter into every medical I have, they make a copy, and I will never have to take another colorblindness test for the FAA again.

One thing I would not do again-- I would not take the light gun test first.  I took the light gun test before I pursued alternate options, that could have potentially been a costly mistake.  If you do have color blindness try and take an alternate test from an AME... the farnsworth lantern comes to mind.  There are a few 'approved' faa color blindness tests that are not issued from the Feds.  The light gun test is a 2 shot deal-- you fail it once, you can retake.  Fail it twice and you will never be able to get the restriction taken off your medical.  Make sure to talk with an AME about alternate options (you can fail the farnsworth lantern multiple times and the FAA will never know).  If you do pass one of those alternate tests your AME will submit paperwork to get the same letter I have- you'll just do it without dealing with the Feds.

Answer 4

I dont know for sure, but from what i understand there should NEVER be colour blind pilots. Even if its a bit. Should there be radio failures, the tower will flash light signals to them. if they cant see those colors properly, not only he's endangering himself, others in the air or on the ground are in jeopardy too! Such irresponsible people should never be qualified as a pilot.

Answer 5

Color Blindness will not let you pass an FAA physical but it MAY be differed. if you can distinguish CERTAIN colors the FAA may be leniant even up to a first class. but under that first class they may impose Restrictions for its operation. eg: only being allowed to fly commercially when the flight is conducted with Two pilots (yourself and the other person). go talk with an AME

Edit, one of the main reasons for this is when under a radio loss situation Lights are used to contact/Make contact give directions etc. if you can't see the colors of these lights. you can't be safely helped

Answer 6

Yes.  If you don't pass the color test at your medical exam, you can obtain a statement of demonstrated ability waiver.  Basically, you go to the airport with an FAA official, (I think someone from the FSDO, but I'm not 100% sure)  If you can see the difference between red and aviation green from the light guns in the tower, you will get your waiver.  Not sure how often you would need to be tested, but probably as often as you renew your medical.

Answer 7

i am sure they are .. most of the guages are black/white scale .. you do get colored lights ..but it is written on the panel what they are for...flying a plane is not like driving a car.. not like your going to see a lot of signs .. pilots are in there environment and often see very little else other than a few lights on a run way..