Can I fly if I have defective colour vision?
As a private pilot you can fly in daytime, in clear conditions anywhere in European airspace but you will not be able to gain a night rating. You might be able to gain a poor weather (IMC) rating for use in UK airspace only. Potential commercial pilots who fail the Ishihara colour plates may still gain unrestricted certification if they can pass the CAD test, conducted at the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick. Likewise, a private pilot may have any restrictions lifted if the test is passed. It is not possible to gain a first class medical certificate for commercial flying if the test cannot be passed. Return to questions…
