Partial Color blindness?

[Airtower]

hello all,

i am a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University out in Prescott, AZ and I want to join the ANG. I have not yet taken the physical, but i am already aware of a partial colorblindness problem. i currently have a waiver from the FAA saying my eyes are fine, but i know the military will want more than that.

Does anyone here know the steps to getting a waiver? or what kinda color tests they give on the physical or for a waiver?

also, i heard there is an F-16 squadron out in madison, WI and was wondering if anyone has any information on them?

thank you

 

[BluDevAv8r]

Unfortunately, the military (USAF and USN) does not allow for waivers for color deficiencies. I can sympathize with you as I had an F-16 UPT slot with the 121FS (DCANG) at Andrews AFB. I'm mildly red/green color deficient and hold a civilian first class, no waivers. Go figure. Good luck.

-Neal

 

[SuperA10]

The AF has, in the past, granted color def waivers. Not sure what the current AF policy is on these waivers. Make sure you contact an AF flight doc for the latest info. Alternative tests are available (Farnsworth Lantern).
Good luck - PM me if you want more info

 

[BluDevAv8r]

The AF has, in the past, granted color def waivers. Not sure what the current AF policy is on these waivers. Make sure you contact an AF flight doc for the latest info. Alternative tests are available (Farnsworth Lantern).
Good luck - PM me if you want more info

This may have been for a prior service person or someone with a Chief Of Staff waiver but I researched this issue for years. The FALANT test is no longer an option for an initial FC1 physical. I've spoken to multiple flight docs as well as the Chief Of Optometry at Brooks in TX. Those of us in this boat are S.O.L. unfortunately. If you check the current AFI that pertains both to waivers as well as color vision standards, you'll see that we are out of luck. With that said SuperA10, if you know something I don't, please email me or PM me because I gave up on this dream a few years back (after getting DQ'd at the DCANG FC1 that I had to take prior to Brooks). Thanks!

-Neal

 

[CCDiscoB]

Color Blindness

...no waivers. Go figure.

I don't speak Dixie so pardon the question, but when you say, "go figure" are you saying you don't understand the reason the AF is strict about color blindness?

The AF is very strict about color blindness. I don't know about waivers, but one of the guys in my squadron was almost grounded because he needed two attempts to pass the test during his annual physical. Combat pilots need to see the entire color spectrum. The cockpit displays receive real-time, color-coded, data that can be very hard to see at night. Which says nothing about determining the type of AAA / SAM, based on muzzle flash color, that’s coming up at you (First question by the intelligence folks, “What color was it?”).

 

[BluDevAv8r]

Re: Color Blindness

I don't speak Dixie so pardon the question, but when you say, "go figure" are you saying you don't understand the reason the AF is strict about color blindness?

CCDiscoB,

My apologies if it came off wrong. The intent of my phrase was to suggest that the AF has no desire in examining the exact degree of one's red/green color deficiency. I'm well aware of the need for sharp color vision in the aviation world (especially in a high stress/high threat combat situation) and in no way did I mean to suggest that the AF should be lenient in that arena. Trust me, if I wouldn't have been safe to fly Vipers, then I don't want to be out there.

With that said, a good optometrist can utilize several different tests to determine the exact degree of one's deficiency and submit it to a review board to determine the viability of a waiver through the current waiver process. I know people who have gotten waivers for all sorts of situations and ailments (just as you do too). All I'd want is the chance to be looked at a bit more closely than simply the PIP/Ishihara tests.

Once again, no disrespect was intended and I'm fully aware of the AF's reasons for their strict medical standards. Fly safe out there...

-Neal

 

[SuperA10]

These waivers were granted in the 80s when the AF was looking for a bunch of pilots. BluDevAv8r's post shows he has more recent experience with the waiver process. Limited numbers of slots available for AF pilots means more restrictions concerning waivers.