Vision requirements

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Is it possible to pass a private pilot medical with best corrected
vision in one of the eyes at 20/60 (the other other eye is 20/20)? I
read that the requirement is 20/40 for both eyes but I was wondering
if exceptions are possible. thanks

-- Vasiliy --, January 31, 2007

Answers

The FAR requirements are clear/each eye must be correctable to 20/40 at the minimum. However, if you have one good eye, I understand you can get a waiver to continue to fly on the condition that you have your good eye re-tested annually. There are companies that handle these medical waiver requests--they advertise in the back of the AOPA pilot magazine.

-- nicholas budd, February 1, 2007

Yes. I have poor vision in one eye and 20/20 in the other. I got a form filled out from my eye doctor, supplied this to the AME, and it was submitted to FAA Medical for a waiver. I got a conditional student pilot certificate based on that. About 3/4 of the way through my training, I flew with an FAA Inspector to prove I could do what I needed to do. That got me a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) that enabled me to get my regular medical certificate. Next time I need to renew, if there hasn't been any change in the condition, this will enable me to go ahead and be issued the medical with no additional paperwork. I think if I wanted a higher class medical, I may need to repeat the ride with the Inspector. If one were a glutton for punishment, this could be combined with a checkride. :)

-- Steve Gill, November 7, 2007