Becoming an airline pilot, are glasses an issue?

Question

hi,

i am 17 years old and from an early age have wanted to become an airline pilot. when i was 11 it became clear that i needed glasses and this meant that i would not be able to become an airline pilot through the RAF due to strict regulations on eyesight.

having recently looked into sponsored routes such as ctc, cabair and oaa, i was wondering how hard it is to get on one of their schemes and whether i would be at a disadvantage due to my eyesight. i have checked with my optican and my eyesight is good enough to pass a JAR class 1 medical.

also i am currently at college studying physics chemisty biology and graphic design, would it be better to study a degree before learning to fly or just go for it straight after A-levels

thanks for your time

p.s. any other tips/information about getting onto or about becoming an airline pilot would be much appreciated

Answer 1

It depends on if you vision could be corrected to 20/20 with glasses? If it can then you should be ok

Answer 2

If you really want to join the RAF you still can with laser surgery...this should correct your eyesight to at least 20/20...sometimes better I hear. Get your degree...for sure...I don't think you can become a commercial pilot without it. Though you need to talk to a carreers advisor because you'll need expert advice and maybe they can give you help.

Good luck...I'm sure you'll make an excellent pilot and look forward to being on a plane flown by you someday. :)

edit: well done to the plonker below who just repeated everything I said. Chris at "never knew there was an echo in" Hornchurch. Plonker.

Answer 3

It depends what's in the glasses:-  Beer, Lager?

Answer 4

Glasses are only an issue if you do not have 20,20 vision with them if you do they are not.

Answer 5

the sort of information you are after  would need to come form somebody in the aircraft   trade. have you thought about having eyes corrected by laser?

  Ideally getting a degree  would be first choice due to high level of competition  for pilots positions. this would give  you a good way to have two options. you will be able to vye with anybody else ( sight issue  assumed  not a problem) for a pilots position and with a degree you must be considered along with fitness etc as a good bet.

secondly if? it turned out you simply cannot get an opening or fail  during training ( it happens)  you have a good education behind you to move forward with. Much Much harder to try and  obtain a degree later on.

Answer 6

Don't get the laser surgery. It's expensive, unnecessary, and has potential side effects and complications. If you can pass a class I medical, that is all you need. They won't even know what your vision is when you apply so there is no disadvantage. All they will know is that you have a class I medical.