Can You Pass The Pilots' Vision Test?

20/40 vision means that a person with this level of visual acuity can see at 20 feet what a person with normal 20/20 vision can see at 40 feet. This is considered a reduced clarity of vision. Pilots must have at least 20/40 vision without correction; however, with corrective lenses, they must achieve 20/20 to meet the safety standards required for flying. The clarity provided by 20/20 vision allows for precise reading of instruments, charts, and other visual information critical to flight safety.

Myopia (nearsightedness) must be corrected to 20/20 for a pilot to be medically certified to fly. Myopia affects a pilot's ability to see distant objects clearly, which can be hazardous when identifying other aircraft, runway markings, or navigation aids. To ensure safety, pilots with myopia are required to wear corrective lenses—glasses or contact lenses—while flying, bringing their vision up to the required 20/20 standard.

Double vision (diplopia) is disqualifying for a pilot without correction because it can severely impair depth perception and spatial orientation. Pilots need clear, single vision to accurately judge distances, read instruments, and operate the aircraft safely. Double vision can result from various conditions, including muscle imbalances in the eyes, and can cause dangerous misjudgments during flight.

The minimum visual acuity required without corrective lenses for a pilot is 20/40. This standard means that a pilot must be able to see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 40 feet. If a pilot's vision is worse than 20/40, corrective lenses must be worn to achieve 20/20 vision, which is considered normal visual acuity. This requirement ensures that pilots have sufficient clarity of vision to read cockpit instruments, see other aircraft, and recognize visual signals from air traffic control.

The primary purpose of the PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) system in terms of vision is to guide pilots for landing at the correct angle. This visual aid uses a set of lights along the side of the runway to provide pilots with glide slope information during landing. Pilots need good visual acuity and color vision to correctly interpret the PAPI lights, ensuring they approach the runway at a safe angle to avoid landing too steeply or too shallowly.

The minimum standard for a pilot's near vision, whether corrected or uncorrected, is 20/40. Pilots need clear near vision to read instruments, charts, and navigation aids inside the cockpit without strain. Being able to quickly and accurately interpret information displayed on small screens or printed documents is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient flight operations.

A commercial pilot under the age of 40 must renew their vision test every year. Regular vision exams are critical because a pilot's vision can change over time due to aging, medical conditions, or environmental factors. An annual check ensures that any changes in vision are detected early, allowing for corrective measures to maintain the required standards for safe flying. For those over 40, the renewal period may be shorter—every 6 months—because vision tends to decline more rapidly with age.

A pilot's "field of vision" test assesses peripheral vision—the ability to see objects outside the direct line of sight. Good peripheral vision is crucial for pilots to detect other aircraft, obstacles, or runway incursions without needing to move their heads significantly. This test ensures pilots maintain situational awareness, which is vital during high-stress situations such as takeoff, landing, or emergency maneuvers.

The Snellen Chart is used to test a pilot’s distance vision. It is the familiar eye chart with rows of letters that decrease in size. Pilots are required to meet a specific visual acuity standard when reading from this chart to ensure they can clearly see objects at a distance, which is essential for spotting hazards, reading runway signs, and following other visual cues while flying.

The Ishihara Test is the most commonly used method in aviation medical exams to assess color vision. This test involves a series of plates filled with colored dots that form numbers or patterns. Individuals with normal color vision can easily distinguish these numbers or patterns, while those with color vision deficiencies may struggle. Accurate color vision is crucial for pilots as it enables them to correctly read color-coded instruments, interpret runway lights, and identify warning signals, all of which are essential for safe aircraft operation.