What Eyesight Do You Need to Be a Pilot?
Becoming a pilot is a challenging and rewarding career, but it requires meeting specific physical and mental requirements. One of the most critical aspects of becoming a pilot is having adequate eyesight. In this article, we will delve into the eyesight requirements for pilots and what you need to know to become a licensed aviator.
What Eyesight Do You Need to Be a Pilot?
To become a pilot, you need to have correctable visual acuity of at least 20/20 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. This means that you must be able to see objects clearly at a distance of 20 feet that a person with normal vision can see at 20 feet without any assistance.
Visual Acuity Requirements
Here are the visual acuity requirements for pilots, as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
| Visual Acuity | Description |
|---|---|
| 20/20 | Normal vision, with or without corrective lenses |
| 20/100 | Correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses |
| 20/200 | Correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses, with some limitations |
Visual Field Requirements
In addition to visual acuity, pilots must also have a minimum of 180 degrees of horizontal visual field in each eye. This means that you must be able to see objects and people in your peripheral vision without any obstruction.
Color Vision Requirements
Pilots must also have normal color vision, which is tested using a series of colored plates. This is to ensure that pilots can distinguish between different colors and patterns, which is critical for safe flight operations.
Other Eyesight Requirements
In addition to visual acuity, visual field, and color vision, pilots must also meet other eyesight requirements, including:
- Depth perception: Pilots must have good depth perception, which is tested using a series of exercises and tests.
- Eye movement: Pilots must have normal eye movement, which is tested using a series of exercises and tests.
- Eye alignment: Pilots must have normal eye alignment, which is tested using a series of exercises and tests.
How to Meet the Eyesight Requirements
If you don’t meet the eyesight requirements, there are several options available to help you become a pilot:
- Corrective lenses: If you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, you can wear corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to correct your vision.
- LASIK surgery: If you have a refractive error, you may be eligible for LASIK surgery, which can correct your vision permanently.
- Private pilot certification: If you don’t meet the visual acuity requirements, you may be eligible for a private pilot certification, which allows you to fly for personal use only.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot requires meeting specific eyesight requirements, including correctable visual acuity of at least 20/20, minimum of 180 degrees of horizontal visual field, normal color vision, and good depth perception, eye movement, and eye alignment. If you don’t meet these requirements, there are several options available to help you become a pilot. With the right training and equipment, you can overcome any visual limitations and become a licensed aviator.
