Vision JAA NPA FCL 28 -General Info

[FrequentFlyer]

Hi

Apologies for posting this in this section but the reduced traffic in JAA/European Forum hasn't yieled many views.

If anyone in this forum is acquainted with JAA I would appreciate some assistance or general information.

I am trying to shed some light on the Notice of Proposed Ammendments that are regular occurences in JAA.

I have been going through the NPA FCL 28 with reference to vision and paid attention to paragraph 6 and sub-part 6.

The ammended paragraph 6 1 states that Monocularity entails unfitness for a Class 1 certificate.. then later on paragraph 6 (d) states:

(d) An applicant with a visual field defect may be considered as fit if the binocular visual field is normal and the underlying pathology is acceptable to the AMS.

Is this referring to Class 1 certification or Class 2?

I have interpreted this as referring to Class 1? Renewal or Recertification??

Would I be correct in assuming if you have a peripheral field defect in one eye and the better eye can compensate for the field loss this NPA-FCL 28 ammendment states that you are still able to obtain an initial issue of a Class 1? Or am I way off the mark?

Any indications appreciated.

Thanks

FF

NPA-FCL 28-Appendix 13 to Subparts B & C

4 6 (a) Monocularity entails unfitness for a Class 1 certificate. The AMS may consider recertification for a Class 2 certificate if the underlying pathology is acceptable according to ophthalmic specialist assessment and subject to a satisfactory flight test .

(1) Monocularity entails unfitness for a Class 1 certificate.

(2) In the case of an initial Class 2 applicant who is functionally monocular,
the AMS may consider a fit assessment if,

(a) the monocularity occured after the age of 5

(b) at the time of initial examination, the better eye achieves the following:
(i) distant visual acuity (uncorrected) of at least 6/6
(ii) no refractive error
(iii) no history of refractive surgery
(iv) no significant pathology,

(c) a flight test with a suitably qualified pilot acceptable to the Authority, who is familiar with the potential difficulties associated with monocularity must be satisfactory.

(d) Operational limitations, as specified by the aviation authority, may apply.

(3) The AMS may consider a fit assessment at revalidation or renewal for Class 2 applicants if the underlying pathology is acceptable according to ophthalmological specialist assessment and subject to a satisfactory flight test with a suitably qualified pilot acceptable to the Authority, who is familiar with the potential difficulties associated with monocularity.
Operational limitations as specified by the Authority, may apply.

(b) Central Applicants with central vision in one eye below the limits stated in JAR–FCL 3.220 may be considered assessed as fit for Class 1 recertification at revalidation or renewal for Class 1 if the binocular visual field is normal and the underlying pathology is acceptable according to ophthalmic ophthalmological specialist assessment. A satisfactory flight test is required and operations limited to and multi-pilot (Class 1 ‘OML’) only limitation are required.

(c) In case of reduction of vision in one eye to below the limits stated in JAR–FCL 3.340 a fit assessment at revalidation or renewal for Class 2 recertification may be considered if the underlying pathology and the visual ability of the remaining eye are acceptable following ophthalmic ophthalmological evaluation acceptable to the AMS and subject to a satisfactory medical flight test, if indicated.

(d) An applicant with a visual field defect may be considered as fit if the binocular visual field is normal and the underlying pathology is acceptable to the AMS.

[My Flight Surgeon]

I interpret this to mean monocularity disqualifies one from holding a Class 1 medical. I actually went back and reviewed the draft npa text NPA-FCL-28. I think you are reading into the other paragraphs you cite.

In the US, monocular pilots may hold a Class 1 medical.

[FrequentFlyer]

Well its paragraph (d) that I am most interested in and if the overall limitations mean as long as your binocular vision is normal and acceptable you are ok for a class 1....

[My Flight Surgeon]

Paragraph (d) refers to the binocular visual fields, not the visual acuity. Just be aware of that.

[adreamer]

What is monocularity?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Vision in one eye only.

[DC3AV8R]

I hold a FAA Class I medical with SODA for defective vision, Right Eye. I had normal vision until I was 27 when a strep infection affected my optic nerves. I was left with a small portion of visual field loss in my right eye, lower-inside (Can't see the right side of my nose!) visual field is normal with both eyes open.

I then moved to the UK, got a Class II medical and was rejected for a Class I (wouldn't even let me go to Gatwick!) That was in 2001.

I've since heard rumors that a monocular vision Class I is available if you go about it the right way. I need to schedule a visual field test here in the USA (moved back in '05) at which time my AME who is also JAA certified, is going to submit paperwork to the JAA in the UK. He thinks it's possible on a re-cert, and MAY be possible on an initial cert. It's crazy that the re-cert doesn't apply to FAA Class I holders since we're all ICAO countries, but it doesn't. If you haven't held a JAA Class I previously, you may be out of luck (as would I).

Unfortunately this isn't on the top list of my priorities right now, working on my CFI / CFII / MEI at the minute, but it's certainly on my to-do list this year.

I can repost here once I find out, or if you want to drop me an email I'll send you results when I find out. Use my name here (dc3av8r) @ hotmail.com (Separated to avoid spam!).

I wish you luck, if you get anywhere, please let me know what you did too. I'd love the chance to work in the EU if possible, but without the JAA bending, there's zero chance.

-Andrew
Commercial Multi Instrument & Super DC-3