Can you still get a pilot license if you have a lazy eye?

Question

I have a lazy eye and my whole life people have told me I will never be able to fly planes because of it. I've wanted to fly planes my whole life, and now that I can get a students license in two years, I'm just wondering if it's really true? I have "corrected vision" (i,e- glasses), and other than the lazy eye, my vision is fine as long as I have the glasses. So all in all, will I be able to get a license if I only use one eye?

Thanks

Answer 1

First, it's not a 'License', it's a 'Certificate'.

You can qualify for your Student Pilot Certificate by passing your Third Class Medical.  Here's the FAR:

§ 67.303   Eye:

Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:

(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/40 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.

(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.

(c) Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.

(d) No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying.

Answer 2

When you are denied a medical certificate, sometimes you can appeal it and try to get a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability). It can take the place of a medical certificate, and doesn't have a preset expiration, but you'd have to pass a test demonstrating your ability to be Pilot in Command in spite of your condition. Basically, you'd just have to prove you can safely operate an aircraft without endangering the public. Ask your medical examiner about it when you go. It is also called an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate.

Don't give up, there are deaf pilots out there....obviously they have SODAs.