How do you get cleared to be a colorblind Air Traffic Controller?

Question

I've read about a signal light test that you can request? Is this still the case? If so, who in the FAA do I have to get in contact with to schedule this and should it be done before I apply?

Answer 1

I'm not sure.... but let me know what airport you end up working for.

Answer 2

If you are colorblind, you may not be medically cleared.  They will discover it during your medical examination, and you will become disqualified.

Answer 3

Chris,

Dont pay any attention to the ignoramus' response, for they have NO idea what they are talking about. Email me, I will give you the details on how you can obtain a SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability)for your medical.

Answer 4

Chris,

I'm thankful for Cherokee's reply, don't let the above posts juke you out man. The fact is that there are about 3 color vision tests that are accepted by the FAA, Ishi Plate Tests (that's the one with those funky colored dots and you need to see the numbers within the dots) , Farnsworth Lantern Tests (similar to the signal light gun test), and the signal light gun test that you can receive from just about any control tower (which, upon your passing, you will receive a SODA - Statement of Demonstrated Ability as described above by Cherokee). For the real test you will need to document that you have not been able to pass any previous color vision test, then call your local FSDO office to have an examiner come out to the airport and 'supervise' the test. The kicker is that if you can get a hold of the tower duty deck phone number, and they're not busy, chances are they'll give you a practice test before the real thing to ease your nerves and give you a good sight picture.

I believe that all you need to be able to identify is aviation red, green, and white. For the signal light gun test - and I was present for one of these for a buddy of mine - they're going to have you stand at various distances from the control tower and point the light gun in your direction. This is used to signal aircraft with inoperable radios various commands (i.e. land the plane, cleared for takeoff, return to the ramp, do not land, etc).

At these various distances they'll shine a combination of white, red, and green lights in your direction. All you need to do is tell the examiner what color you see and that's all there is to it man.

Believe then achieve my friend. Good luck and let us know how we can help.

Answer 5

fake the test

Answer 6

Oh my GOD... a colorblind tower controller... PLEASE let me know where you are stationed because I don't want to fly into there.

The Air Traffic control system is bad enough without having color blind controllers... that is just a recipe for disaster I can't contemplate.