Is my Eyesight holding me back to becoming a Commerical Pilot?
Question:
I understand I am not of age to be a Pilot, but I am looking into my future career. I also understand that at my age, my eyesight may change slightly. I am just wondering that if I did want to become a Commerical Pilot, would my eyesight hold me back?
I have seen many Pilots wearing glasses, and if this is the case, if you are allowed, I should be OK. I have heard that contact lenses can be painful when pressure changes occur, and that sometimes, people that have had Laser Eye Surgery have not been allowed to be a Pilot. Does the vision have to under a set amount before Surgery?
Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Answer:
As others have said here you can wear glasses/contacts as the CAA allows for vision correcting (within limits).
Avoid surgery until you have had the true facts from a recognised aviation medical practice and the CAA.
If you love aviation then a pilot may be the job for you. Don't expect to get rich though as budget airlines are becoming more widespread. Some pilots are now almost treated like bus drivers. Working hours are varied too. Don't expect a Monday-Friday 9am-5pm job.
Look into obtaining a sponsorship from an airline. Write to as many UK airlines as possible for their sponsorship programs.
My response from BA put me off them for life and my response from British Midland (BMI) put them in very high regard.
You can obtain a licence as long as your eyesight can be corrected with glasses etc. I was told I had perfect eyesight, and an ex spitfire pilot who was advising me thought it was rediculous that I could not obtain a licence due to a hearing problem in one ear. It seems they are more stringent on hearing.
My mother has been a flight attendant for 30 years, and she has horrible eyesight and hasn't gone a day in her career without wearing contacts, so you have nothing to worry about. She has also known many, many pilots who wear contacts and/or glasses, and though I'm not positive about the surgery, I'm willing to bet that many pilots have probably had it done as well. Good luck for your future!
Wont be aproblem for you at all! My eyesight is worse and I pass my FAA medical every six months :)
Contrary to widespread belief, a person doesn't need perfect eyesight in order to be a pilot. The FAA allows for vision correction, either by glasses or contact lenses, as long as your vision can be corrected to within the required limits (20/40 or better for private pilots, 20/20 or better for commercial pilots). Eye surgery would not be necessary or required.
By the way .. this may be a great web site for you:
http://www.youngeagles.org/
If your eyesight can be corrected through glasses or contacts then you can still fly, provided you meet the standards.
It's the same as driving, many people need glasses to read a number plate at 20 metres, but are still allowed to drive provided they are wearing their perscription
Go on the CAA website where it lists the eyesight specification but my initial feeling is you are within limits. Laser surgery will more than likely result in you NOT being eligable for a class 1 as i know another pilot who the CAA threatened to pull his class 1 if he had correction surgery. Alternatively contact a AME - vertified aero medical examiner who can let you know for sure
You cannot hold a commercial pilots licence if you have Laser Eye Surgery.
sweety its realy hard to become a pilot if you dont have really good vision
Don't worry you can be a pilot. You will just have to wear contacts or your glasses. The same rule apply for when you drive a car.
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