In regards to the OCVA, you are right in saying you don't need to fly the aircraft and thus don't need technically any experience however if you do this, everything you'll see will be alien to you, especially in combination with all the differences in aviation to that of the EU. We recommend that you at least have a few hrs with an instructor to understand everything going on around you and that you are comfortable with what you're looking at.
Also, I agree you need to look at the first lot of testing options used in the US.
Secondly, in response to converting an FAA medical to an EASA medical, this is unfortunately not possible. Both medicals are separate as they have differences in medical regulations. With an FAA medical you can only work on an FAA license, but as mentioned that doesn't necessarily mean you have to work in the US as many pjets etc are N registered in Europe, but you'll likely need quite a few hrs to get those positions.
Hello Jordan,
My apologies for the late answer. I talked with 2 AMEs (EASA) the past weeks. To summarize, no upgrade is possible from a class 2 to a class 1 according to the doctors. I already did the additional tests (failed) with them and because of this I'm "colour unsafe".
Other than that, they couldn't really help me in terms of EASA.
Note: These were all military AMEs in the same facility that also can examine non-military personnel. I am thinking to contact another AME outside this facility for a second opinion.
I have my doubts though about the outcome.
We did not talk about the OCVT outside EASA. I assume they are not familiar with them.
Kind regards,
Sip
Hi all,
I recently found out about this organisation and it gives me a comforting feeling that I am not the only one with CVD. I'd love to share my future experiences to you.
My name is Sip, 24 years old and from Belgium. Last year I got accepted into a flight school. I passed all tests during the medical, except the Ishihara Test. After that I did the additional tests which I all failed:
- CAD
- Anomaloscopy
- Farnsworth Lantern
The AME told me that I can forget a medical class 1. As a result I received a medical class 2 with "Restriction Night Flying". My only option left would be to do an OCVT in the US. Since this is a childhood dream, I am prepared to do these extra tests and go all the way.
I am a bit lost at the moment. Outside EASA everything is a bit unknown to me. I have read that a lot of people go to the US/NZ to do the OCVT (Operational Colour Vision Test). My question now is: Where can I start and who do I contact?
I would love to hear from you. Let's open up the gate for CVD people to the aviation world, together!
Kind regards,
Sip
@Sip Hello , thanks for your comment/question and for your support in ECDAA! We really appreciate it!
Sorry to hear you have failed the colour vision tests, it's a bit strange you were tested on the Farnsworth as that is not an EASA approved test , so even if you had passed it they wouldn't have accepted it. EASA only accept the Holmes Wright , Beyne and Spectrolux lanterns. Maybe it might be worth trying the Beyne lantern in an EU country as those pass 30% of cvd applicants.
In terms of the OCVT if you search on the FAA website , there is a page which provides the details and how to book the test etc. However I would recommend before starting this , first see if you can pass any of the FAA lab based tests as this maybe cheaper and easier. Secondly if you are doing the OCVT you need to have some flying experience in the US , we are talking at least 10hrs to understand all the differences both in maps , airspace, flying etc. Otherwise you may struggle to know what your looking for/at.
Finally I would like to ask , whilst you can do the OCVT and pass , and get an FAA class 1. What is your plan for working as a pilot in the US or abroad?
Do you have the ability to gain working rights in the US ?
I hope this helps, do come back to us
Also if you need a more in depth 1 to 1 chat then we offer an advice service at a donation cost of £20 where we set up a online meeting to discuss the situation and the possible solutions.
@Jordan Penning Hi Jordan,
It was indeed the Farnsworth Lantern test, strange. I did this test together with 2 other tests.
I will however take a look at the Beyne Lantern test. I made an appointment with the AME for next week to discuss my remaining options.
Regarding the OCVT, I did some research about it. You have to be able to distinguish red, green and white (tower) from each other. An additional MFT (Medical Flight Test) is required for a Medical Class 1. However, a CFI at the flight school told me that they (FAA)would fly the aircraft, so that flying experience would not be necessary. They would only ask aviation related questions like airport signs, airport lighting etc. I'm afraid I have been informed incorrectly.
I would like to keep this test as my last option. If the test is failed, it is not possible to redo it and you will be cleared as "unfit" to upgrade your medical (through the OCVT). All other tests are possible to try multiple times.
Regarding the medical, the plan was to obtain an FAA Medical Class 1 and convert this into an EASA Medical Class 1. I have no interest to work in the US, since I'd like to start a career in Europe. These FAA lab based tests are unknown to me, I will look into this.
Thank you for the offer. I am open to have a talk after I gained a bit more info on the subject, so I can also share my experiences with other future pilots.
Kind regards,
Sip
@Amirul Feissal it is great to hear from that who has taken the NZ OCVA. I personally would love to know more about it so I look forward to hearing more from you! Welcome on board.
EASA to review Colour Vision requirements in full glass cockpit environment and modern ATCO consoles.
Looking to begin 2024 , complete by 2026
More information can be found here: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/research-projects/vision?utm_campaign=d-20230426&utm_term=pro&mtm_source=notifications&mtm_medium=email&utm_content=title&mtm_placement=content&mtm_group=easa_research_project
Hello Sip
Do let us know what your AME suggests.
In regards to the OCVA, you are right in saying you don't need to fly the aircraft and thus don't need technically any experience however if you do this, everything you'll see will be alien to you, especially in combination with all the differences in aviation to that of the EU. We recommend that you at least have a few hrs with an instructor to understand everything going on around you and that you are comfortable with what you're looking at.
Also, I agree you need to look at the first lot of testing options used in the US.
Secondly, in response to converting an FAA medical to an EASA medical, this is unfortunately not possible. Both medicals are separate as they have differences in medical regulations. With an FAA medical you can only work on an FAA license, but as mentioned that doesn't necessarily mean you have to work in the US as many pjets etc are N registered in Europe, but you'll likely need quite a few hrs to get those positions.
Kind regards
Jordan Penning MSc BSc (Hons) ARAeS
Hi all, I recently found out about this organisation and it gives me a comforting feeling that I am not the only one with CVD. I'd love to share my future experiences to you. My name is Sip, 24 years old and from Belgium. Last year I got accepted into a flight school. I passed all tests during the medical, except the Ishihara Test. After that I did the additional tests which I all failed: - CAD - Anomaloscopy - Farnsworth Lantern The AME told me that I can forget a medical class 1. As a result I received a medical class 2 with "Restriction Night Flying". My only option left would be to do an OCVT in the US. Since this is a childhood dream, I am prepared to do these extra tests and go all the way. I am a bit lost at the moment. Outside EASA everything is a bit unknown to me. I have read that a lot of people go to the US/NZ to do the OCVT (Operational Colour Vision Test). My question now is: Where can I start and who do I contact? I would love to hear from you. Let's open up the gate for CVD people to the aviation world, together! Kind regards, Sip
@Amirul Feissal it is great to hear from that who has taken the NZ OCVA. I personally would love to know more about it so I look forward to hearing more from you! Welcome on board.