If the airman does not pass the color vision test administered in the aviation medical examiner's office at the time of the FAA physical examination, the following options are available to remove the restrictions from the medical certificate:
The best option for many pilots is to pass one of the FAA-approved alternative pseudoisochromatic tests. The attached sheet from the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners lists the optional tests and requirements for satisfactory completion based upon the class of medical applied for. You can see the eye care specialist of your choice for the tests. It may take a few phone calls to locate the test you want to take. Ask the doctor to report the type of test and the results on office letterhead. Make a copy of the letter for your records and send the results to the FAA.
You will be issued an amended certificate without the night flight/color signal restriction. Accompanying the amended certificate will be a "letter of evidence" citing your successful completion of the color vision test. Keep that letter for future reference.
Some pilots may instead prefer to take the color signal light test at an FAA air traffic control tower. Successfully passing this test will also remove the night flying /color signal control restriction, but with an important change.
FAA medical certification policy has now eliminated the need for a waiver, or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) to be issued after the satisfactory completion of the signal light test. So, if you opt for the light signal test, the FAA will now issue you an unrestricted medical and the letter of evidence, but without the separate waiver certificate. Your agency medical file will still show a pathology code for color vision deficiency. For that reason, if you plan to fly for the airlines, it is still a good idea to try the first option before attempting the signal light test.
*NOTE: THE COLOR SIGNAL LIGHT TEST CAN BE TAKEN ONLY TWICE.
IF YOU FAIL THE COLOR SIGNAL LIGHT TEST, THE FAA MAY NOT ALLOW YOU TO TAKE ONE OF THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE TESTS FOR REMOVAL OF THE NIGHT FLIGHT RESTRICTION. TRY THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE COLOR PLATE TESTS FIRST!
To be prepared for the color signal light test, we suggest you visit the airport and ask the tower specialist to flash the color signals in your direction. Have someone with you who has "normal" color vision to confirm that you correctly identify the colors. The FAA Inspector's Handbook also allows the inspector to ask you to demonstrate the ability to read aeronautical charts, including colored airspace and ground terrain designations most commonly found on sectional charts. You may or may not be asked to do this in addition to the light signal test.
Call the Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City and request an authorization for the color signal light test. Indicate the FAA Flight Standards District Office you intend to visit. The FAA will issue an authorization letter to you and copy it to the FSDO. After receiving the letter, which is valid for 90 days, schedule the test with the FSDO. Avoid midday tests when the sun is directly overhead. Late afternoon or cloudy days are the best conditions to view the light signals. Some facilities will accommodate an after-hours appointment if you ask.
The Flight Standards inspector should forward the results to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division, however, you may want to call the FAA yourself to make sure that occurs.
When you have demonstrated that you meet the color vision standards, you may upgrade your medical to a higher class without having to retake the tests.
To contact the FAA in Oklahoma City use the following address and phone:
Aeromedical Certification
Division
CAMI Building
P.O. Box 26080
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
405-954-4821
800-350-5286
If you have additional questions, call the AOPA Medical Certification Department at 800-872-2672.
Attachments — Color Vision GAME Pages