Color Perception And Visual Acuity

Color Perception And Visual Acuity

By Jeffrey W. Johnson
Copyright © 1998, 1999

Two aspects of the human vision that you will need to have are color perception and visual acuity. Included below are two quick tests for both color and acuity:

COLOR PERCEPTION:

Shown above is a sample of the type of color images that you will be asked to identify by your medial examiner. In each of the above circles is a number. If you can identify the numbers of each of the circles, then chances are you have no color vision deficiencies.

Myself, I cannot see the 0 that is in the center circle. I failed to identify the color differences associated with those of the center circle and therefore failed that portion of my medical exam. The restrictions to a pilot's license that apply for such a vision deficiency are "no night flight" and "not valid for color control signal". If you have a similar problem and still have the restriction, click here to learn about the process to obtain a S.O.D.A. (Statement Of Demonstrated Ability ).

Federal Aviation Regulations, according to the third-class qualifications, sec. 67.303 says: Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are: (c) Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.

Vision Test
** Note: This actually means the ability to distinguish between red, green, and white lights.

VISUAL ACUITY:

Shown here is a chart that you can use to give you an close estimate of your visual acuity. To use this vision chart, follow these rules:
1.) Measure the length of the blue line on the chart in CENTIMETERS as it appears on your monitor.
2.) From your monitor, measure a distance backwards in FEET the number of centimeters the line is long (i.e. if the line is 9cm in length stand 9 feet back from the monitor)
3.) Read the smallest line on the chart with each eye separately. If you use corrective lenses, wear them for this test.

Very bottom line = 20/10 vision
Second line up from bottom = 20/20 vision
Third line up from bottom = 20/30 vision
Fourth line up from bottom = 20/40 vision
Fifth line up from bottom = 20/50 vision
The "T" and "B" represent 20/100 vision
The "E" at the top represents 20/200 vision

Federal Aviation Regulations, according to the third-class qualifications, sec. 67.303 says: 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.

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

** Note: if corrective lenses are required to obtain the minimal 20/40 vision, then the person is eligible only on the condition that the corrective lenses MUST be worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.

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