Color deficiency question......

[Medicryan]

Before I ask the question here is a little background. I have been wanting to be an airline pilot since as long as I can remember, same as many of you, I'm sure. I found out that I had a color deficiency at a very early age. So, from a very early age, I always knew that I could never be an airline pilot. I took out a loan in 2001 to get my private pilot's license, and of course, I had to get the night restriction. The only problem I had with colors was that stupid book with all the numbers. I think its called the Isahara or something like that. I had no problem with telling you what color was what. Late last year I found out that there is a magical test that you can take where an FAA examiner takes you down to the ramp and the tower flashes the light gun at you. Well, it turns out that I passed with no problems. From then I got the 'Letter of Demonstrated Abililty', a $30,000 loan, and joined up with a 141 school. Here's where my question comes in. When I do accumulate enough hours to apply to a regional, would it behoove me to mention that I have the letter, or just give them my 1st class medical and be done with it? I talked to the pilot recruiter at ASA (forgot his name) and he told me that there are a lot of folks out there with the same issue and not to worry about it. I just don't want it to bite me in the ass after investing all the time and money into this.

Thank you in advance for all your input

Ryan

 

[DirkkDiggler]

Just hand them your 1st class medical. If there are any restrictions, they will be written in the remarks section. If you don't have any restrictions then I don't see why you'd have to mention anything. Good luck.

 

[JATAGA]

not to worry

I have the same problem... I am now an airline pilot. it's not a big deal. You have demonstrated ability period. It is a none issue and against the law for anyone to take issue (refuse employment) with it.

I was worried about it in the beginning so I asked a 777 capt at united and he asked united... no issues.

Your medical is your medical. The waiver is for the physical so you don't have to do the color blind thing.

good luck!!!

 

[wings421]

I had the same problem. You'll be fine now that you have the SODA. I went a step further and asked the FAA for a "Letter of Competence" and no longer have the SODA. I simply explained to them that when applying to an airline, I didn't want to have a SODA on my record (at the time I think Continental's policy was no SODAs) and they issued me the letter. Basically the same thing but you don't have to report a SODA if they ask. Good luck.

 

[Medicryan]

Thanks wings, I didn't even know there was a 'letter of competence'. I'll have to check that out.

 

[BluDevAv8r]

Take it another step further....find an optometrist with the "Farnsworth Lantern Test." You will most likely be able to pass it if you can tell the difference between red, green, and white. Then mail the results to the FAA in OKC and they will send you a new medical with NO restrictions. How do I know this? I did it...and am now at an airline.

-Neal

 

[MATHEWS]

Take it one more step further and don't become an airline pilot. Surprised no one has mentioned that yet.

 

[Rick James]

Wings421 is right on the money. Tale an alternative test (about 30 of 'em) and get rid of the SODA. I spent many nights worrying about this color problem I had, but now I'm just another complaining captain.

 

[Medicryan]

So do you have to take one of the alternate tests to get the 'Letter of Competence'???

 

[Guitar Guy]

For you guys who've done these extra tests, have you ever had issues with a company-administered new-hire or pre-hire medical exam? My current company (non-121) does a fairly thorough medical exam during indoc using their own doctor and I think he used the old standard color tests. Just curious.

 

[SOVT]

Ryan

Give me a call at 802-379-4519 and I'll pass on some info to you.

 

[snap145]

color

hey medic...log on to www.leftseat.com...its a consulting company out of ok city that arranges an appointment for you to see a special color deficiency doc who gets the whole thing swiped off of your medical clean..like it was never there and you get a waiver soou never have to take that stupid test again...its worth it, itll cost you some dough but they have like a 98% pass rate.....check it out

 

[wmuflyguy]

I too have a color deficiancy, I had to take a different color blindness test and now have a letter i give to exaiminers when i get my physical that says "as long as i pass all other requirements, they can issue me a medical with out restrictions."


Anyways, they did not ask about it on my interview. It is none of there business and they probably do not want to know. If they found out and you didnt get the job, they run the risk of being sued for discrimination (sue happy america). As long as you have the proper medical they dont care,

 

[328dude]

I have the same problem and did the light gun thingie. It has never been an issue except for XJet years back when they said it was a waiver.

But this was years ago and has never been an issue for me since.

 

[CorpLearDriver]

Before I ask the question here is a little background. I have been wanting to be an airline pilot since as long as I can remember, same as many of you, I'm sure. I found out that I had a color deficiency at a very early age. So, from a very early age, I always knew that I could never be an airline pilot. I took out a loan in 2001 to get my private pilot's license, and of course, I had to get the night restriction. The only problem I had with colors was that stupid book with all the numbers. I think its called the Isahara or something like that. I had no problem with telling you what color was what. Late last year I found out that there is a magical test that you can take where an FAA examiner takes you down to the ramp and the tower flashes the light gun at you. Well, it turns out that I passed with no problems. From then I got the 'Letter of Demonstrated Abililty', a $30,000 loan, and joined up with a 141 school. Here's where my question comes in. When I do accumulate enough hours to apply to a regional, would it behoove me to mention that I have the letter, or just give them my 1st class medical and be done with it? I talked to the pilot recruiter at ASA (forgot his name) and he told me that there are a lot of folks out there with the same issue and not to worry about it. I just don't want it to bite me in the ass after investing all the time and money into this.

Thank you in advance for all your input

Ryan

Ryan,

The lightgun test on the ramp is only part of it. If you will not the little boxes on your Statement of Demonstrated Ability under the title of "basis of issuance" The special practical test, the one on the ramp and 1500 feet down the runway, is good for 2nd and 3rd Class Medicals. To qualify for the first class issuance, you'll need to fly with an inspector from the local FSDO who will check the box special flight test once you show you can see the colors in flight.

Things may have changed some since I did the lightgun test on the ground when I started flying in 1975 and also took the flight test in 1986. After a while, operational experience overrides it all. I've never had to take the test again and nearly half my total time is night.

Enjoy your career.