Class 1 Medical Exam (Vision)

[achc]

I am planning to take some PPL courses / sign up for an airliner cadet program for CPL. Asides from the challenge to get into a cadet program, the time that I will have to spend and the cost, I am worried about my vision.

I am in my mid 20's, I wear glass and have amblyopia. My opthamologist said there is nothing I can do (including surgery) to fix amblyopia. With correction (glasses), my good eye is corrected to 20/20. However, due to amblyopia, my other eye is at 20/100 with correction. Both eyes open I get 20/20.

Is there ANY chance I can become a pilot? I have no other eyes disease.

[URC]

I know of a couple of pilots flying commerically for major airlines in Canada that only have one eye.

(c) Substandard Vision in One Eye

(i) An applicant whose corrected central vision in one eye is less that 20/30 (6/9) but is at least 20/200 (6/60) shall be granted the issue or revalidation of a permit or licence in accordance with the Medical Requirements Standards provided that the following conditions are met:

(A) on the initial request for flexibility, the applicant has undertaken an eye examination by an eye specialist whose report indicates that the visual acuity in the better eye meets the vision standards for the permit or licence applied for or held;

(B) accredited medical conclusion indicates that the visual defect is unlikely to interfere with safe performance of duties related to the permit or licence considering pathogenesis of the condition, visual fields, etc.;

(C) the licensing authority is satisfied that any relevant ability, skill or experience of the applicant has been given due consideration. In certain cases a practical test shall be advised;

(D) an eye specialist’s report shall be required annually if the condition causing the reduced vision is not stable.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/r ... 24-172.htm

[North Shore]

You may be in for an uphill battle. Go and visit your CAME, and apply for a Cat1 medical, applying for flexibility under the vision requirements. DON'T start flying until you do, and get a verdict one way or another.

Good Luck!

[flatface]

Deleted

[CellPh2]

So you need 20/30 in each eye, corrected or un-corrected? Didn't your vision have to be 20/20 at one point?

ie. 20/30 in one eye, but 20/20 both eyes open?

[Dirty A]

Not sure I am following this correctly.

What does TC Cat 1 require for visual acuity? What do airlines generally require for visual acuity? If one wears glasses but their vision is corrected to 20/20 is there ever an issue? Where does laser eye surgery factor into the equation, if at all?

[Account321]

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for my Transport Canada Category 1 medical exam and recently spoke with an AME who reviewed my reports. My corrected vision is 6/9 in one eye (due to mild amblyopia) and 6/6 binocular, which I understand meets Transport Canada’s minimum vision standards.

However, the CAME mentioned that my application would likely be deferred to Transport Canada for further review, rather than approved directly. I’m wondering if anyone else here has gone through a similar situation. If you’ve had 6/9 corrected vision or another condition that meets the standards but still led to a deferment, what was your experience? Any insight on the chances of approval and the timeline would be really helpful!

Thanks in advance!