In order to fly i was told that you need perfect eyesight without corrective lenses is this true?

Question

To fly in the Air Force or just a normal plane

Answer 1

To become a pilot in the Air Force, the candidate's vision can be no worse than 20/70 (correctable with glasses to 20/20) in each eye. To enter Navigator Training, the candidate can have vision no worse than 20/200 in each eye (also must be correctable to 20/20).

After flight school, the standards relax a little. Pilots and Navigators who have already graduated flight training, can remain fliers as long as their vision doesn't deteriorate beyond 20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20).

Normal depth perception and color vision is required.

Unlike the Navy, Marine Corps and Army, individuals who have had laser eye surgery are disqualified from entering flight training. A selected number of pilots and navigators who have already completed flight training, can have laser eye surgery, as part of the Air Force's on-going study about aviator laser eye surgery.

The Navy and the Marine Corps use the same standards (The Marines do not have their own medical department. They use the Navy for all medical procedures and standards). Naval Aviators must pass a Class I Flying Physical. To become a pilot in the Navy or Marine Corps, an applicant's uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/40 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. Once flight training begins, vision can deteriorate to no worse than 20/100 (correctable to 20/20) in each eye. After flight training graduation, if the eyesite deteriorates worse than 20/200 (must be correctable to 20/20), the pilot will require a waiver for carrier operations. If the vision deteriorates past 20/400 (correctable to 20/20), the pilot is restricted to aircraft with dual controls (ie, aircraft with co-pilots).

NFOs (Naval Flight Officers) have no vision requirement to enter flight training. However, the student NFO's vision must be correctable to 20/20 and there are limits on refraction. Refraction must be less than or equal to plus or minus 8.00 sphere in any meridian and less than or equal to minus 3.00 cylinder. No more than 3.50 anisometropia. After flight training, to continue on flight status there is no limit on refraction for NFOs. No waivers are authorized for NFO applicants who exceed these refraction limits.

Normal color vision is required for both NFOs and pilots. Normal depth perception is required for pilots and pilot applicants.

The Navy allows laser eye survery, both for current pilots and NFOs, and for pilot/NFO applicants, if they apply for, and are accepted to participate in the Navy's on-going study about laser eye surgery for aviators.

Answer 2

To get a Third Class Airman Medical Certificate (private flying) in the United States, (the least restrictive), the eye standards are:

(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20/40 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privilages of an airman certificate.

(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.

(c) Ability to perceive those colors neccessary for the safe performance of airman duties.

(d) No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying.

A person who does not meet those provisions may apply for the discretionary issuance of a special medical certificate.

Second and First Class (commercial flying) require 20/20 with or without correction.

Contact the Air Force for their latest requirements. Combat flying will have the most restrictive requirements; 20/20 has been the norm. The military may or may not accept surgery to gain the necessary correction. Policies are subject to change.

Answer 3

My husband has been a CFI for the last 5+ years. I am not sure about the Air Force, but I do know that you can wear corrective lenses and still fly a "normal" plane - you can go anywhere from your Private Pilot to Commercial license. You do need to have a medical every year to maintain your pilot's license. As long as you don't have a "severe" eye disease such as macular degeneration, etc., you should have no problem on the eye portion of your medical exam.

Answer 4

I think it's true for the military. My cousin wanted to be a Navy fighter pilot and could not because his vision wasn't perfect. He did train to become a navigator and actually navigated fighter jets for the Navy and Airforce. He was able to fly his own personal plane. By the way, he was killed in battle in Iraq in 2003, so it's a very dangerous job.

Answer 5

To get a 3rd class medical and be a private pilot you vision just needs to be correctable to 20/50. To get a 2nd class medical you need to be correctable to 20/20, but you can have any correction you need, just so you can pass the test. The military has different standards now, but they no longer require 20/20 uncorrected.

Answer 6

it is not true to fly commercial airplanes or privately owned airplanes, however i am not sure about the Air Force. I know this because my dad was a pilot for Delta for over 30 years and he wears glasses. He also has his private pilot's license and owns a small airplane which he flys regularly.

Answer 7

Air Force

Answer 8

I heard that in order to get into the Air Force your eyesight needs to be CORRECTABLE to 20/20

Answer 9

I am not sure about the air force, but as far as private aircraft you can get your license with having to wear corrective lenses. I know many pilots that wear glasses.

Answer 10

1