FAA Pilot Vision Testing: Color Vision & Visual Acuity Exams
Complete FAA medical eye exams for Class 1, 2, and 3 medical certificates. Color vision testing, visual acuity certification, and SODA letter assistance in Orange County.
Schedule FAA Eye ExamFAA Visual Acuity Standards by Medical Certificate Class
The FAA requires specific visual acuity standards for each class of medical certificate. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare for your aviation medical examination.
First Class Medical
Required for: ATP, airline pilots
Distant Vision
20/20
Each eye separately
Near Vision
20/40
At 16 inches, each eye
Intermediate Vision
20/40
At 32 inches (age 50+)
Second Class Medical
Required for: Commercial pilots
Distant Vision
20/20
Each eye separately
Near Vision
20/40
At 16 inches, each eye
Intermediate Vision
20/40
At 32 inches (age 50+)
Third Class Medical
Required for: Private pilots, student pilots
Distant Vision
20/40
Each eye separately
Near Vision
20/40
At 16 inches, each eye
Intermediate Vision
Not required for Third Class
Important FAA Vision Requirements
Corrective Lenses Allowed
You may wear glasses or contact lenses to meet visual acuity standards. If correction is required, your medical certificate will include a "Holder shall wear corrective lenses" limitation.
- Single vision, bifocals, or progressive lenses acceptable
- Contact lenses may be worn for distant vision
- Must carry backup glasses when flying with contacts
Monocular Vision Considerations
Pilots with vision in only one eye may still qualify through the Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) process after demonstrating safe aircraft operation.
- Medical Flight Test (MFT) may be required
- 6-month adaptation period typically required
- We provide documentation for SODA applications
Failed the Ishihara? You Have Options
Good News for Color-Deficient Pilots
The Ishihara plate test is just one of several FAA-approved color vision tests. Many pilots who fail the Ishihara pass alternative tests and fly with no restrictions. The FAA recognizes that different tests measure different aspects of color vision.
Common Scenario
You go in for your FAA flight physical. Everything is fine until the AME pulls out the Ishihara color plates. You struggle to see some numbers. The AME marks "color vision deficient" and tells you that you'll need further testing.
This is NOT the end of your flying career.
The Solution
The FAA accepts several alternative color vision tests. If you pass ANY one of the approved tests, you can receive a medical certificate with no color vision limitations.
We administer multiple FAA-approved tests to give you the best chance of passing.
FAA-Approved Color Vision Tests We Offer
The FAA accepts multiple color vision tests. Many pilots who fail the Ishihara pass these alternative tests and receive unrestricted medical certificates.
FAA-Approved Computerized Color Vision Tests
Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)
Computer-based test measuring the contrast sensitivity of your red, green, and blue cone systems independently. The RCCT is one of three FAA-approved computerized tests effective January 2025.
Passing Score Requirements:
- Red cone: Score ≥ 55
- Green cone: Score ≥ 55
- Blue cone: Score ≥ 55
Must pass all three color channels to qualify.
Other FAA-Approved Computerized Tests
CAD (Colour Assessment & Diagnosis)
Measures red-green and blue-yellow color vision thresholds. Results reported in CAD units.
Waggoner CCVT (Computerized Color Vision Test)
Computer-based pseudoisochromatic plate test with standardized administration.
Traditional FAA-Accepted Tests
Farnsworth D-15
Arrangement test where you sort 15 colored caps in order. Tests your ability to discriminate between colors along the color confusion lines. Many red-green deficient pilots pass this test.
Passing: Caps arranged without crossing errors
Dvorine Color Plates
Pseudoisochromatic plate test similar to Ishihara but using different color combinations and patterns.
Passing: 12 of 15 plates correct
FALANT (Farnsworth Lantern)
Signal light test displaying pairs of red, green, and white lights. Originally developed for U.S. Navy, now FAA-accepted.
Tests practical signal recognition
Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT)
Practical test at an ATC tower identifying light gun signals (red, green, white) from 1,500 feet. Required for SODA pathway.
For Statement of Demonstrated Ability
Medical Flight Test (MFT)
Flight test demonstrating ability to identify aviation signals, airport lighting, and chart colors during actual operations.
Alternative practical demonstration
Ishihara (14-plate version)
Standard pseudoisochromatic plate test. The most common initial screening test used by AMEs.
Passing: 10 of 14 plates correct
How We Help You Get Your Wings
Comprehensive Color Vision Assessment
We'll test your color vision using multiple FAA-approved methods to find one you can pass. Most pilots pass at least one test.
Documentation for FAA
If you pass, we provide official documentation on letterhead that your AME can use to issue your medical certificate.
SODA Letter Guidance (If Needed)
If you don't pass office tests, we can guide you through the OCVT or MFT process to obtain a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA).
Follow-Up Support
We're here to answer questions and provide any additional documentation the FAA or your AME may require.
Important Information for Pilots
What to Bring
- Copy of failed Ishihara results (if available)
- Your glasses or contacts (if you wear them)
- AME's contact information
- Pilot certificate number (if already a pilot)
What to Expect
- Appointment takes 45-60 minutes
- Multiple tests administered
- Results provided same day
- Official documentation if you pass
BasicMed Vision Requirements
BasicMed offers an alternative to traditional FAA medical certification for eligible pilots with fewer restrictions on vision testing.
BasicMed Vision Standards
- Visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye (with or without correction)
- No specific color vision test required under BasicMed
- State driver's license medical certification accepted
- Online medical education course completion required
BasicMed Eligibility
- Must have held a valid FAA medical certificate after July 15, 2006
- Aircraft limited to 6 seats, 6,000 lbs max takeoff weight
- Max 5 passengers, below 18,000 feet MSL, under 250 knots
- US domestic flights only (some exceptions)
Note: While BasicMed doesn't require specific color vision tests, pilots should still be able to perceive colors necessary for safe flight operations. We can provide comprehensive eye exams to document your vision status for BasicMed requirements.
FAA Pilot Vision Testing FAQs
Can I be a pilot if I'm color blind?
Yes, many pilots with color vision deficiency fly legally. If you fail the standard Ishihara plate test, the FAA accepts several alternative tests including the Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT), Farnsworth D-15, and others. If you pass any FAA-approved test, you can receive an unrestricted medical certificate. If you fail all office tests, you may still qualify through the OCVT/MFT pathway for a SODA letter.
What is a passing score on the Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)?
To pass the Rabin Cone Contrast Test for FAA medical certification, you must score 55 or higher on ALL THREE color channels: red cone, green cone, and blue cone. A score below 55 on any single channel is considered a failure. The RCCT is one of three FAA-approved computerized color vision tests as of January 2025.
Do I need 20/20 vision to be a pilot?
It depends on the class of medical certificate. First and Second Class (commercial/ATP pilots) require 20/20 distant vision in each eye, while Third Class (private pilots) only requires 20/40. All vision standards can be met with corrective lenses - glasses or contacts. If correction is needed, your certificate will have a 'must wear corrective lenses' limitation.
What is a SODA letter and how do I get one?
A Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) is an FAA authorization allowing pilots with specific medical deficiencies to fly. For color vision, you can obtain a SODA by passing either the Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT) at an ATC tower or the Medical Flight Test (MFT). Once issued, a SODA is permanent unless the underlying condition changes.
Can I wear contact lenses for my FAA medical exam?
Yes, you can wear contact lenses to meet FAA visual acuity standards. If you need contacts for distant vision, your medical certificate will include a 'must wear corrective lenses' limitation. The FAA also requires pilots who wear contacts to carry backup glasses while flying.
What's the difference between First, Second, and Third Class medical certificates?
First Class is required for Airline Transport Pilots (ATPs), Second Class for commercial operations, and Third Class for private/student pilots. Vision requirements differ: First/Second Class need 20/20 distant vision, while Third Class only needs 20/40. First/Second Class pilots over 50 also need intermediate vision testing (20/40 at 32 inches).
How often do I need to renew my FAA medical certificate?
First Class certificates are valid for 12 months (6 months if over age 40) for ATP operations. Second Class is valid for 12 months for commercial operations. Third Class is valid for 60 months (24 months if over age 40). All higher certificates automatically downgrade to lower classes as they age.
Don't Let Vision Issues Ground Your Dreams
Many pilots with color vision deficiency fly legally and safely. Let us help you find a path to your medical certificate.