Colorblindness 101

[Ryan Wesley Hawkins]

Hi. I would just like to confirm an answer that was given to me by a commercial pilot. Well I told him that I was mildly colorblind and that I would most probably not be able to become a pilot because I have a problem telling the difference between the green and white light. I was happy to here what he said next and that was that one only needs to be able to distinguish between green and red (which I can). He said that the white light was not necessary in a light-gun test. Is this true or is it false information.

Thanks again

[vheissu]

Quick search on using the words Color Blind will give you all the information you need. You aren't doomed.

[My Flight Surgeon]

First, he is wrong. The light gun signals include red, green and white. You only need color vision for night flying and flying into a controlled field. So you can get a license with the restriction stating "NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLYING OR BY COLOR SIGNAL CONTROL".

You can also take alternative color tests such as the Farnsworth lantern (FALANT) test. Use the search feature here in Jetcareers to read the threads on this.

[MDPilot]

Not to give a medical opinion, but we must realize that Ryan is talking about flying in South Africa, where the rules may be different.

[My Flight Surgeon]

I apologize for not knowing this. Here ar ethe South African colour vision standards.

Colour perception standards (Class 1 and 3)
(1) Applicants must demonstrate ability to perceive readily those colours the
perception of which is necessary for the safe performance of duties. The
use of tinted lenses to obtain adequate colour perception is not
permitted.
(2) Applicants must be tested for the ability to correctly identify a series of
pseudoisochromatic plates (tables) in daylight or in artificial light of the
same colour temperature such as that provided by Illuminant "C" or "D"
as specified by the International Commission on Illumination (ICI).
(3) Applicants who fail to obtain a satisfactory score in such a test may
nevertheless be assessed as fit if the applicants are able to readily and
correctly identify aviation coloured lights displayed by means of a
recognised colour perception lantern i.e. Farnsworth, Beyenne, Holmeswright
type A or Spectrolux.
(4) Stereopsis and NPC testing will be required.
(5) Full visual fields will be required.
Colour perception standards (Class 2)
(1) Applicants must demonstrate ability to perceive readily those colours the
perception of which is necessary for the safe performance of duties. The
use of tinted lenses to obtain adequate colour perception is not
permitted.
(2) A medical certificate may be issued if medical conclusion indicates that
the applicant has a minor colour perception defect which is compatible
with the safe exercise of the privileges of the licence provided the
certificate is endorsed with the following limitations:
(a) "For private pilot licence privileges only";
(b) "Not valid for flight in the vicinity of a controlled aerodrome (unless
the aircraft is in radio contact with aerodrome control)";
(c) "Not valid for night flying, IFR flying or flying of EFIS equipped
aircraft".
(3) Applicants must be tested for the ability to correctly identify a series of
pseudoisochromatic plates (tables) in daylight or in artificial light of the
same colour temperature such as that provided by Illuminant "C" or "D"
as specified by the International Commission on Illumination (ICI).
(4) Applicants who fail to obtain a satisfactory score in such a test may
nevertheless be assessed as fit if the applicants are able to readily and
correctly identify aviation coloured lights displayed by means of a
recognised colour perception lantern, i.e. Farnsworth, Beyenne, Holmeswright
type A or Spectrolux.
(5) Stereopsis and NPC testing will be required.
(6) Full visual fields will be required.
Colour perception standards (Class 4)
Not applicable.

[Ryan Wesley Hawkins]

Thanks