Expert: D. Norkus - 5/8/2009

Question
Hello, I am red-green colorblind but was wondering whether or not that would cripple my ability to fly for a commercial airline?  I know that it would be impossible to fly for a branch of the military, but I wasn't sure about airlines.  I can comfortably distinguish between red, green, yellow, and white, but I can't pass the Ishihara dot tests.  Thanks in advance for a your response.

Answer
Brock

As long as you can "demonstrate the ability to perceive the colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties", and meet all the First Class medical requirements, you can be color blind and get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability/SODA waiver from the FAA and still obtain a First Class Medical. Here are some links on this topic:

http://www.leftseat.com/colorvision.htm
This links to a business, Pilot Medical Solutions Inc, that helps pilots with special medical conditions obtain their aviation medical certificates. Contact them at 800-699-4457 "to establish your eligibility for FAA medical certification. There is no charge for initial consultations."

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/pilot-health/16825-color-blindness.html

http://www.beanairlinepilot.com/forums/expressjet-jeremy/10189-color-blind-issue...

So, yes you can be color blind, but only to a certain extent. You will need to be evaluated by an Aviation Medical Examiner to determine if you can obtain a SODA.

Pilot Medical Certification Questions and Answers-
http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/faq/response11/

Additional inquiries can be made with
Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-300
Federal Aviation Administration
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
(405) 954-4821


Good Luck
Dottie