New FAA colour vision testing rules take effect
January 6, 2025
First announced in December 2024 at an educational session for aviation medical examiners (AMEs), the FAA has moved its colour vision pilot screening tests to computer-based models, increasing the accuracy of assessment and necessitated by what the FAA calls “several factors”.
“Proliferation of colour displays, concern that current testing might not be adequate for the existing and future colour-rich environment, poor standardisation in administration of current tests, incorrect testing by some AMEs, and NTSB safety recommendation (for commercial pilots)” were cited by the FAA as instrumental to the switch, which now mandates the successful completion of one of three computer-based tests.
The new testing progress will remove the paper-based ‘Ishihara’ test (a series of circular diagrams populated with coloured dots) from the eye exam, hard copies of which may have faded over time, or which candidates may have memorised. Alongside red-green perception, the new digital test will also test for the much rarer blue-yellow deficiency, a trait which affects men and women equally.
Returning pilots who have passed a previous colour screening test will retain their pass status, unless upgrading their license to a different class, want a colour vision restriction removed, are taking medication that could affect their colour vision, or develop a qualifying medical condition.
Passing any of the three acceptable computer-based tests is sufficient “and failure of one test does not preclude an attempt to pass another,” clarified the FAA. AMEs lacking the new facilities may also refer the candidate to another location.
