Visual requirements to gain a pilot's license.?

Question

It's always been my dream to fly a plane, and I am nearing the minimum age requirement to start training for my pilot's license. My father works for the FAA so I know quite a bit about the inner workings of planes and their equipment.

My question is:

Vision is an important part of obtaining a license but I have a lazy eye. I have good peripheral vision but my frontal vision is impaired. (I can see shapes, colors and such but it is very blurry)

Will this prevent me from being able to get my licenses?

(Sadly I think it will...but I want to be sure)

Also if someone wants to help me out with a second question:

Will my lazy eye prevent me from joining the US Air force? (if I chose to join)

Answer 1

As far as the vision thing goes, you probably wont be able to fly... not making out shapes in front of you is a very serious problem.  

As far as age requirements to start training, there are none.  You can start flight training at any age, as long as you can reach all the controls.  You cannot fly solo until 16 however, and have to wait till 17 to get your certificate.

Answer 2

I can't give you an exact answer based on not knowing your actual visual acuity, however, you could possibly do a couple of things to help you find out:

1. Contact AOPA, (www.aopa.org) and email them regarding specific medical issues. They have an entire division devoted to helping pilots with these. Even though you  are probably not yet a member, they will usually do all they can to encourage anyone that is interested in learning to fly.

2. You may want to locate a doctor in your area who is a Flight Surgeon (FAA Designated Medical Examiner) who can probably answer your questions very specifically.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

If your forward vision is impaired, your best bet is to become a Sport Pilot, as your drivers license(assuming your vision is good enough to obtain that) serves in place of a medical.

Answer 4

What minimum age requirement?