At an education session for Aviation Medical Examiners, the FAA announces big changes to color vision testing and the deferral process (among a few other things). This blog will address the changes that came down regarding color vision testing and a future post will address some of the other modifications to FAA medical certification.
For some background, here is a blog post I previously wrote on the OLD FAA Policy on Color Vision Testing that applied before this policy going live 1 January 2025.
* All previous paper and non-digital color vision testing will NO LONGER be permitted.
* All color vision testing will be replaced by 'modern digital testing equipment'.
* Testing will screen for both traditional red/green color deficiency as well as the less common yellow/blue color deficiency.
* Any current pilot with a color vision restriction MUST take one of the new digital tests.
- If they pass, the restriction will be removed
* Airmen with existing medical certificates are NOT required to undergo additional color vision testing unless:
- Develop a medical condition associated with acquired color vision loss
- Taking a medication known to cause color vision changes (Accutane)
* NO PLANS to adjust air traffic controller color vision standards
Q: I have a medical certificate with a color vision restriction, am I grounded on January 1, 2025?
A: No. All pilots currently flying with a history of either passing color vision or possessing a letter of eligibility for a color vision issue (typically through an operational color vision test) will remain on flying status.
Q: Will color vision testing be required if I have a medical certificate with no color vision restrictions?
A: No.Color testing after the initial application will be based on medical history or medication use. It is not a routine requirement with examination.
Q: Why is the FAA doing this?
A: There has been an open NTSB recommendation recommending enhanced color vision following a FedEx accident in Tallahassee, Florida, in 2002. The NTSB found the First Officer had a color vision deficiency and may have misinterpreted runway approach lighting indicators. The NTSB felt the FAA color vision testing devices did not adequately detect color vision deficiencies and were subject to cheating by the applicant.
Q: What is wrong with the way the FAA screens for color vision now?
A: Current testing is based on technology and science over 30 years old and predominantly only tests red/green deficiency. It allows for “cheating” by memorizing outdated test plates and some test plates degrade (color fading from printed material) over time.
Q: What if my Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) doesn’t have the new equipment?
A: Applicants are permitted to take a color vision test at any location that uses FAA-authorized digital testing equipment and bring those results to their AME to satisfy the color vision testing requirement.
Q: If I receive a denial, am I eligible for BasicMed?
A: No. You are not eligible for BasicMed if your most recent FAA airman medical certificate was denied.
Q: What should I do if I have a color vision restriction on my current FAA medical certificate?
A: You may continue to fly with your color vision restriction as-is. If you would like it removed, you will need to take an FAA-authorized color vision test.
Q: If I receive a denial, may I operate light sport aircraft using my current and valid U.S. driver’s license?
A: No. You must have been found eligible for the issuance of at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of your most recent application.
Q: If I receive a denial what happens next?
A: Your denial will have clear reconsideration criteria for you to reference in reapplying.
Q: Why isn’t the FAA requiring color vision testing for all airmen with existing medical certificates?
A: The improvements in modern digital testing equipment will enable the FAA to identify color vision deficiencies more effectively during an airman’s initial application. The risk ofacquired color vision deficiency is less than one percent and is associated with medical conditions or medications. In 22 years, there has been only one mishap where color vision was listed as a contributing factor.
