Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Becoming a pilot

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Expert: - 11/25/2005


Question
I am blind in one eye, can I still become a pilot or if possible be in the Air Force?

Answer
Greetings Missy -

Unfortunately, being a pilot requires having 20/20 vision in both eyes.  Having depth perception is all about flying, especially takeoffs and landings, even more so at night and in the weather.

As far as other jobs, you would have to check with a recruiter, but I believe sight in both eyes is required for all military jobs.  My son wanted to join the military as well, but he is deaf in one ear, therefore has no stereo hearing and cannot tell from which direction sounds are coming from.  Definitely not something you can do without in the heat of battle ... you have to know where the enemy is.

I hope this answers your question.  Remember I am an advice forum, and not an official source.  For that, you need to speak to a recruiter.  Good luck on your quest.

Sincerely,
James Bell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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