Two aspects of the human vision that you will need to have are colour perception and visual acuity.  Included below are two quick tests for both colour and acuity:

colour perception

Shown above is a sample of the type of colour images that you will be asked to identify by your medial examiner.  In each of the above circles is a number. If you can identify the numbers of each of the circles, then chances are you have no colour vision deficiencies.  Myself, I cannot see the 0 that is in the centre circle.  I failed to identify the colour differences associated with those of the centre circle and therefore failed that portion of my medical exam.  The restrictions to a pilot's license that apply for such a vision deficiency are "no night flight" and "not valid for colour control signal".  If you have a similar problem and still have the restriction, click here to learn about the process to obtain a S.O.D.A. ( Statement Of Demonstrated Ability ).

Federal Aviation Regulations, according to the third-class qualifications, sec. 67.303 says: Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are: (c) Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.

** Note: This actually means the ability to distinguish between red, green, and white lights.

visual acuity

Shown here is a chart that you can use to give you an close estimate of your visual acuity.  To use this vision chart, follow these rules:

1.) Measure the length of the blue line on the chart in CENTIMETRES as it appears on your monitor.

2.) From your monitor, measure a distance backwards in FEET the number of centimetres the line is long (i.e. if the line is 9cm in length stand 9 feet back from the monitor) 

3.) Read the smallest line on the chart with each eye separately.  If you use corrective lenses, wear them for this test.

• Very bottom line = 20/10 vision
• Second line up from bottom = 20/20 vision
• Third line up from bottom = 20/30 vision
• Fourth line up from bottom = 20/40 vision
• Fifth line up from bottom = 20/50 vision
• The "T" and "B" represent 20/100 vision
• The "E" at the top represents 20/200 vision

Federal Aviation Regulations, according to the third-class qualifications, sec. 67.303 says: Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:

(a) Distant visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.

(b) Near vision of 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.

** Note: if corrective lenses are required to obtain the minimal 20/40 vision, then the person is eligible only on the condition that the corrective lenses MUST be worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.