Airline's view on SODA for corrected distant vision acuity?

[fourierman]

Hello all,

I recently posed the following question to AOPA and got back this:

Q: Is it possible to get a SODA for the corrected 20/20 distant visual acuity requirement with a first class medical?

A: "If you cannot be corrected to standards and the condition is a static condition (a condition that will NEVER be able to be corrected) then you can request a SODA. You will need to have a completed eye evaluation form and send that along with a letter from you requesting a Medical Flight Test to the FAA. They will send you back an authorization to contact the local FSDO and take the Medical Flight Test. The FAA inspector will fly with you and ask you to point out various landmarks, tune the radio, look at the instruments, look away. they may even arrange for another plane to fly into your airspace. When you land, the FAA inspector will issue you the medical along with the SODA that you will carry with your medical certificate."

Anyone know someone who has done this type of flight test before?

Additionally, how would the airlines probably view such a SODA? Would it be honored at all? I know some airlines like to have their own doctors do an initial medical exam, etc.

In my case, my vision isn't 20/20 in either eye (more like 20/25, 20/30) if that changes things at all..


Thanks

[aloft]

Why can't your vision be corrected to 20/20 with glasses/contacts?

[fourierman]

Unfortunately, the eye doctor I went to most recently wasn't able to explain why I couldn't get 20/20. He did say , however, that there wasn't anything physically wrong with my eyes. I've had this problem for as long as I can remember and can't recall ever having being corrected to 20/20 after an eye exam, new prescription, etc... it sucks!

[Doug Taylor]

I've done the SODA test. Back in college, for some strange reason, I couldn't get my right eye to correct to 20/20 (it was 20/25) and the test wasn't a hassle at all.

Luckily, I only needed it for a couple of years.

They asked if I had any waivers during both my interviews, but I told them that I did, but didn't really require it to pass a FAA physical.

I'm not sure if that helps or not, but there it is!

I'll send a copy of this message to my 'man who knows all' -- but he hasn't gotten back to me on another message so it might be a little bit.

[wheelsup]

[ QUOTE ]
In my case, my vision isn't 20/20 in either eye (more like 20/25, 20/30) if that changes things at all..


Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a similar situation, however I found an AME that I was able to pass the 20/20 line NO PROBLEM. Even with brand new glasses/contacts, it seems my right eye just barely misses the cut.

It's in Central Florida, but for me, well worth it to go there as I know him and how he does the vision test (no I haven't memorized anything, its his machine ).

PM me if you want the contact info. It might be worth a shot...

As for getting a SODA, if doug got one and the airline let him use it, sweet. I was always under the impression that a SODA disqualifies you from the bigger companies - but its good news to me in case I need to get one somewhere down the line.

~wheelsup

[cimepilot]

I thought the FAA did away with SODAs and now you just get a letter with nothing stated on the medical certificate.

[Cessna_310QS_Pilot]

I have a blind spot in my right eye. It is right in the center of my vision so if I close my left eye I have to use my pereferal vision to see anything. Because of this I my vision is only correctable to 20/100 to see the full line on the vision test, but I can read about half of the 20/50 line. My vision with both eyes is 20/20 combined.

I applied for a First class medical and was of course denied even for a Third class. But I got a medical for "student pilot purposes only" and then right before I took my private pilot check ride I flew with an inspector from the FAA and like AOPA respones above...they ask me to read instruments, Hobbs. They also ask you distances to objects on the ground such as water treatment ponds and asked how many ponds were there. Then on the way back to the airport about 5 or so miles out he asked how far away we were and if we could make it if the engine stopped. After we landed he gave a unrestricted First class medical with a SODA so when I renew my medicals now I bring the SODA and they give me my medical on the spot.

So if you can't see the greatest out of one eye don't fear, if you can see then you are fine. Word of caution, the test is to see if you can fly just like someone else who isn't "blind" so if you can't get any medical you will have to be basically ready for your checkride before you fly with the FAA.

If you have any questions I will be more the happy to answer them

-Cessna 310QS Pilot