Testing Alternates for Colorblindness?

[Mutti]

I currently have a colorblindness restriction on my student pilot certificate which restricts my night flying or flying under signal control. I contacted the FAA and they suggested before requesting a signal gun test at FSDO I should try to find an alternate color blindness test to satisfy this requirement before hand, if possible. Apparently, the signal gun test is a one-time venture. I am fairly confident I could pass the signal gun test because my instructor set up an informal test from the ATC at a local Airport and I could tell the difference btw the Green and Red guns. But why risk it, right ??

Does anyone have any suggestions on alternate tests that seem to have higher pass rates? Has anyone ever come across this restriction and managed to satisfy the requirements? Any and all comments associated would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Aeronca]

I believe AOPA has some decent information on this. Leftseat.com has some info too, but I wouldn't hire them.

I received a SODA for taking the light gun test about 16 years ago and didn't know about the alternate test. My understanding is you can take the alternate, to the light gun test, as many times as you like. Only successful results need to be reported to the FAA.

Good luck.

 

[Northern Lights]

Farnswarth (sp?) test

I'm also color blind... I actually took the light gun signal test twice to get my SODA. Now that I have it, it is good for all classes of medical certificates. I did try to take an alternative test called the "Farnswarth." All that did for me, though, is prove that I am color blind. If you do take the Farnswarth, make sure that you take the correct one. There are several different versions of the test, and I actually took the wrong one.

What ever you do, good luck. There are lots of color blind pilots out there that have been flying for years.

 

[captainv]

Mutti,

I actually postponed my flying career after i failed the color vision test on my first medical. The doc told me i'd never fly professionally, but maybe i could get a 3rd-class medical and fly Cessnas around the patch. I didn't know anybody in aviation at the time, so i knew nothing of alternate tests or the FSDO light gun test.

Call AOPA, they have a pamphlet on color vision, and perhaps they can tell you an AME close to you that can offer the alternate test.

For me, my instructor had the tower give me a brief test, and i had no troubles, so i signed up to do the light gun test at the FSDO. i took the test on a blindingly sunny day in Orlando. The FSDO is in one of those modern buildings with mirrorlike windows on the exterior. they had to shoot the light gun THROUGH these heavily tinted windows at me. Aced the test, i correctly called every color. one nice thing about the SODA is you never have to take that portion of the test again.

btw, anyone see the NTSB's suggestion in the wake of the Fedex TLH crash? the co-pilot was partially colorblind, and they cited that as part of the probably cause, recommended more stringent testing on color vision...

 

[mar]

Yeah, I saw it.

First, I think it's a good idea to get another test and try for a successful pass in order to avoid the whole SODA process.

I also fail the color vision tests. When I applied for a SODA (for a third class) I just got the light gun signals on the ground. Then when I wanted a first class they told me I needed a flight test at night with an inspector. Of course I would've done that first if I had known.

At any rate, the recommendations below from the NTSB bother me a little. It sounds like, not only will they change their testing for *new* applicants but based on their studies they may apply *new* standards to those of us that hold first and second class medicals.

But maybe I shouldn't worry too much because they're only "recommendations" and how often does the FAA follow NTSB recommendations....?

Nevertheless, anyone want to predict the logical consequence of new color vision testing?

Personally I'd like to see this accident as more of a catalyst for change in Duty Time regulations than color vision testing protocol.

NTSB Safety Recommendations for color vision

To the Federal Aviation Administration:

#1. Conduct research to determine the effectiveness of each of the current Federal Aviation Administration-approved color vision test protocols (including the color signal light test) at effectively screening out pilot applicants with color vision deficiencies that could impair their ability to perform color-related critical aviation tasks including (but not limited to) correct interpretation of glideslope information and in-cockpit displays that use color to convey information. The research should take into account the time typically available to perform each task, particularly under emergency conditions, and the potential effect of mild hypoxia (as might occur at typical cabin altitudes) on color vision deficiencies. (A-04-XX)


#2. Based on the results of the study requested in recommendation #1, develop a standard battery of tests to be performed at least once on each applicant for a Class 1 or 2 medical certificate that would prevent applicants with color vision deficiencies that could impair their ability to perform color-related critical aviation tasks from being certificated without limitations. (A-04-XX)

 

[DairyAir]

Color vision

I have had to go through the whole thing. I can not pass the dot test with the numbers on it, which is what ninety percent of AME's use. There is a similiar book that has shapes instead of those numbers which is much easier, that is also approved. The Farnsworth Lantern is the other in office solution. Unfortuanately there are very few of them left. I recently took the light gun test with the FAA. Whoever posted that you had to take a flight test at night is full of it. I am an Air Whiskey capt with a first class medical and I did not take one. Someone from the FSDO will come out to the airport or wherever they do it and and administer the test. It was very easy although the green and white do look similiar. Be careful because you can not get any of them wrong. Luckily it is a short test. Each color once at two distances. BTW you do not get a SODA letter, just a letter that you meet the requirements for color vision. That letter they give is valid for as long as you have a pilot certificate, they gave me two copies in case I lost one. Get the letter and you will never have to take the test again. Hope this helps.

DairyAir

 

[mar]

Caution: This post may be "full of it."

Then when I wanted a first class they told me I needed a flight test at night with an inspector.

Captain DairyAir, all I did was relate my own experience to a fellow pilot. Perhaps the Fed was full of it when he required a flight test at night but that is *indeed* what was required of me to obtain a SODA.

Apparently you don't hold a SODA. You have some sort of "letter." I've never heard of these "letters" but it seems logical to me that if the testing requirement is less stringent than a SODA application then a flight test would probably be out of order.

Regardless, it seems reasonable to me that a Statement of Demontrated Ability would require a night flight. I mean, that's the issue isn't it? To remove the "Night Flight Prohibited" from the Restrictions column?

Anyway, fly safe. Green is the dimmer one. White is the brighter one.

 

[Northern Lights]

Anyway, fly safe. Green is the dimmer one. White is the brighter one.

That's a good way to remember it! With the green/white airport beacon I always have trouble telling distinguishing them. I can tell that there is a slight difference, but need some help deciding which one is which! I don't worry about military airports, because I know that the two quick flashes mean that it is not civilian.

I got my SODA in 1995 with no flight test. I think that pre mid-90's, though it was very common to take an actual flight test.

I flew last night and paid close attention to the PAPI's and VASI's and realized that I have no problem with the red/white lights on those at night. I'm sure that I don't see things as vividly as others, but night flight hasn't been a problem so far.

 

[mar]

Well, now I've been dated.

I got my SODA in 1995 with no flight test. I think that pre mid-90's, though it was very common to take an actual flight test.

I can't remember the year but it seems like I was just out of college. 1990 or 1991.

I probably shouldn't admit this on the internet but I do have some problems with VASIs and PAPIs. But it's nothing an electronic glideslope or just asking the other guy, "Is that red over white?" won't solve.

It's really not a big problem all by itself, but as stated above, it could exacerbate a situation with a fatigued crew.

 

[Northern Lights]

I always have trouble telling distinguishing them.

I wish that we could edit for more than 10 min!

I have a hard time with the Blue and Magenta for class "E" airspace on VFR sectionals. Again, it's not a problem, becuase I know that if it's by an airport the base is 700 AGL and if it's not around the airport it's 1200.

Also, if the weather is low enough for that to be an issue I'll be IFR anyway.

 

[captainv]

DairyAir,

I think it's safe to say that if you went to every FSDO in the country, the light gun test would be administered about a billion different ways. Don't assume your experience is in any way standard.

Mine was administered at the Orlando FSDO, in an office park, in the blinding afternoon sun, squinting up at a light gun that was on the 5th floor of a building with mirrorlike glass for an exterior. I would've preferred a night test, the colors would've been a heck of a lot more distinct.

Personally, I prefer the SODA form, since it's the same size as a medical. I keep both in my wallet, so I don't forget where it is. In case I do lose it, i know they can pull my file in OKC, dig out the form number and send me a new one.

and for the original poster, feel free to take alternate tests, but there's no downside to having a SODA. it's been a non-issue in every airline interview I've had. As long as you can call the gun signals, you're good to go.

 

[AirSeattle]

Capt V and others,


I agree with DairyAir. The difference is some airlines WON'T hire you with a SODA. We (me included) have just passed an ALTERNATIVE color vision test acceptable to the FAA. We don't have a SODA AND we don't have to test for color during our frequent medicals. It may be semantics for some, but if I had a SODA during the hiring process, I wouldn't have got'n hired at SkyWest! Careful how you handle this!

Fly Safe!

joel

 

[captainv]

but if I had a SODA during the hiring process, I wouldn't have got'n hired at SkyWest! Careful how you handle this!

AirSeattle,

That's rather interesting. Did they tell you why? Just to thin the herd, as it were? My having a SODA was of zero concern to CMR, ASA or ACA...

 

[Pondscum]

mar, I'm right there with you brother.... I too failed the colored dots test in the book, then promptly failed the light gun test (but was able to retake it a couple more times until I passed), then in order to get the 1st class medical, I had to do the flight test with the local fed. All of this was pre-1990, so there may be a connection with the dates and whether or not a flight test is required.

 

[JB74]

On a side note,

Can anyone direct me to an eye clinic/doctor that administers the Farnsworth Lantern test?

I have searched the state of FL and can't find a single doc that still does them. I am willing to travel the country (don't care at this point), as I need to take this test before my medical expires here in a few months. My current AME has been helping me out with it comes to the color test, but he can't do this forever.

I am really nervous about leaving my fate in the hands of the MCO or TPA FSDO and their light gun test.

Thanks

 

[LAXSaabdude]

On a side note,

Can anyone direct me to an eye clinic/doctor that administers the Farnsworth Lantern test?

You know, I took one once, and I seem to remember actually going to a Coast Guard office to do it. You might try them?

LAXSaabdude

 

[Aeronca]

I first got a class II SODA in 1988. A couple of years ago I contacted the FAA and requested a Class I SODA. The person I spoke with stated they now issue the Color Blindness SODA for all classes of medicals. Under the Class box on my new SODA it says "ALL". The original test I took was a simple light gun signal test at the FSDO, no flying involved.