Expert: Mike Burbridge - 7/24/2010

Question
20+ years ago I took the commercial pilots medical. Passed everything but my eyesight was below what was allowad even though it is corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contacts. I asked at the time, if I got surgery to bring my vision within spec if I could then continue. I was then told that if I had the surgery, I would not even qualify for a private liscence. Made no sence to me but as I said, this was over 20 years ago. Have things changed in this respect? and if so what are the current specs?
Thank you for your time. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Darren,

Currently, the minimum vision requirement for an FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate is 20/40 corrected. So, as long as your vision can be corrected with glasses or contacts to 20/40, you'd qualify for a Class 3, which is required for Private Pilots.

The Class 1&2, required for ATP and Commercial Pilots, respectively, requirements are 20/20 corrected. Again, this includes contacts and glasses, which are worn by many commercial pilots.


Lasik surgery is acceptable and not a disqualifying procedure, though you would be required
to submit a report from your eye doctor.


Here's an article that goes in to detail about vision correction surgery for pilots:
http://www.avweb.com/news/aeromed/181889-1.html


Hopefully, that will answer any questions you have. If it doesn't, or you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Good Luck.

Mike B.