Follows NTSB Recommendation from FedEx Crash in 2002

The Federal Aviation Administration recently published its new restrictions on color vision exams, replacing the original paper testing book with ‘modern digital testing equipment. The regulation will take effect on January 1, 2025.

The modifications will only affect initial applicants or those with a color vision medical restriction. If they pass, the restriction will be lifted. Current pilots with no restrictions could also be required to take the digital color vision exam if they develop a related medical condition or are on medication with known vision effects, like Accutane.

This rule only applies to pilots - the FAA has assured that there will be no changes to air traffic controller color vision standards.

This mandate aims to improve safety and limit false passes. Color vision tests currently use the popular Ishihara color book or other related materials. However, these focus purely on the more common red/green deficiency, leaving out the yellow/blue trait. They also utilize the same images, allowing some to simply memorize the color plates to get by. Plus, colors on digital screens don’t fade like physical booklets do.

These tweaks follow an NTSB recommendation for enhanced color vision analysis. The case involved was a 2002 FedEx accident in Tallahassee, Florida. The agency determined that the First officer had color blindness, which could have caused him to misinterpret the runway approach lighting. The NTSB continued to call out current testing devices for their inaccuracy and obvious loopholes.

The FAA presented these rules to AMEs in a recent educational session, causing some mixed reactions. Dr. Richard Kaplan, a color-blind AME and flight instructor, expressed concern that digital testing would increase costs for both AMEs and applicants. He also stated that some subscription-based color vision tests can cost upwards of $30 per month.

The concept of digitized color vision testing appeared in May 2023, when the FAA authorized three new computer-based exams. However, these methods were not mandated until now. AMEs will be required to enforce this rule starting January 1, 2025.

FMI: www.faa.gov