Flight Physical- Eyes

2016-05-12T15:38:28-04:00

I have read the passing requirements of a flight physical but had a question concerning the eye portion. If a person had 20/15 vision as a whole but one individual eye was poor can it be waived or do they need to get the PRK/LASIK surgery done? Any help would be appreciated as I am trying to weigh out my options and course of actions

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-05-12T16:05:42-04:00

Wont the Army do the LASIK? The Navy did mine.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 4:38 PM

2016-05-12T16:38:57-04:00

How bad is it? I can't quite remember the number off the top of my head (I want to say 20/30 but don't quote me on that), but 20/20 is no longer a requirement. You'll be required to wear your glasses in flight.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made May 12 at 2016 10:01 PM

2016-05-12T22:01:49-04:00

What you're referring to is called a "Waiver for Demonstrated Proficiency". I am a Private Pilot and my vision is not perfect in one eye (a lazy eye). To get my Waiver for Demonstrated Proficiency I had to make a flight with a FAA examiner who observed my ability to spot other aircraft in flight. Basically, as long as you see other aircraft before the examiner has to point them out for you, you can likely get the waiver. At least that's the way it worked in 1977...