Color Vision Testing: Changes!

Every time you think you’ve got it, things change! That’s especially true of aviation. High tech cockpits boast all the colors of the rainbow to aid the pilot in keeping th dirty side down. Land in Downtown St. Paul and it looks like you’re coming into the Las Vegas Strip. Color everywhere, color that must be accurately interpreted for the safety of the flight. And that is why the FAA tests color vision and why some dramatic changes in how it’s done have been put into play starting this year.

First of all, why change? The FAA has come to realize that there are varying degrees of color vision deficiency, mild states not really affecting the ability of the pilot to effectively color discriminate. So, some guys were being diagnosed with “color blindness” when it was mild and not operationally significant. Second, many of the older testing methods were subject to fudging. Just memorize the numbers or practice with the plates in the book and you could pass the test even if you were really very color discrimination deficient. Neither result was good! Fortunately several computer driven tests have been developed that address both these concerns. They allow discernment of the degree of color discrimination impairment and by randomly changing numbers and orders of presentation they prevent memorizing the “right” answers. Therefore, starting January 1, 2025 a new set of tests and procedures were initiated.

At present there are three computer-based tests that are approved for pilot screening by the FAA. There should be more to come. Unfortunately they range in price from $1,000 to $10,000, so don’t count on your AME having them up front. If not and you need a test, you may get referred to a local eye doc that does have one of the approved tests. That means more cost and hassle. You might check before you book an appointment with your AME just to avoid surprises.

On the bright side, you probably will not need one of the new color vision tests. As of January first, if you successfully passed a color vision test in conjunction with any previous flight physical, it will not have to be repeated. You have “passed” for all eternity (unless the rules change). If you did have a SODA or Letter of Evidence in the past and want to remove any restrictions that were put on it, you will have to take one of the new color vision tests. All new pilots will also have to take one of the new tests.

So, what will it mean to an established pilot? Probably not much. Color vision testing usually takes about 20 to 30 seconds, so time saving isn’t a big deal. For the would-be pilot going through his or her first examination, it might mean a significant expenditure of time and money. This would be especially true if his/her AME does not elect to fork out the loot necessary to purchase the new software. Of course, no one ever said learning how to fly was cheap!

Fly wisely. See you next month!