aviation and eyes

gtmike

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2010
Messages
13
what are the chances of flight school with less than perfect vision. My daughter, currently at USCGA, would like to track to flight school. 20/20 one eye, 20/20- in other eye. Lasik or PKR? what are her chances? We went to specialists that said she could get "just about there", and "should be fine, if not, get a waiver". who do we talk to? this is her dream, and I need to exhaust all opportunities.
 
The best answer is to have her go to the clinic and talk with the doctor. They deal with cadets requesting this info all the time and know the policies in and out.
 
It used to be your vision could be as bad as 20/200 as long as it corrected to 20/20. There are also very specific guidelines for going to corrective surgery route. Like the previous posted said, if she is at CGA, there are people as the clinic that are up to speed on the most current standards.
 
Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI) in Pensacola with CG Physicians will be the only one to make the determination. She will have to get a flight physical. Do not-Do not get any corrective surgery for this will be a disqualification. All surgery has to be approved through a Naval Flight Surgeon.
 
Here's a link to the manual. Your daughter will have to meet all the requirements of a Class I as well as additional requirements for candidates for flight training. Forms of CRS used to be automatically disqualifying but that has changed. I flew with a guy once that had his eyes done prior to entering OCS and he didn't have any issues getting into flight school. (See page 1-9)

Once again though, since your daughter is already a cadet, the folks at this clinic will have the latest and greatest info for on the best way to proceed. The below will just give her a little background knowledge before walking in the door. It's not meant to be your best source of info.

www (dot) uscg.mil/directives/cim/6000-6999/CIM_6410_3A.pdf

*sorry, can't post links yet as I don't have 10 posts.
 
aviation

I want to thank you all for your suggestions. She completed a week at Air Station Mobile and received extra info. Although she has already had some discussion with the clinic at the Academy, I know there has to be a lot more to be had. As a 2/C, she needs to get all this done pronto also. Much thanks again!
 
I want to thank you all for your suggestions. She completed a week at Air Station Mobile and received extra info. Although she has already had some discussion with the clinic at the Academy, I know there has to be a lot more to be had. As a 2/C, she needs to get all this done pronto also. Much thanks again!

I'm pretty sure 95% (ok, maybe 99%) of my classmates (myself included) wanted to be pilots after spending the week at ATC Mobile for CATP over our 2/c summer.
 
If the CG is like their sister SAs, it is not just the commissioning branch that has a voice in this, but the FAA. They need to pass the FAA FC1 flight physical. I would research the parameters for the FAA, especially since it can take time for the eyes to fully heal. If that physical occurs during the healing process it can result in an automatic DQ.

I think cga82 gave you the best advice. I am betting there are forums for AD CG members, such like a site called WWW.base ops.net. (it is geared towards ADAF fliers) On that site they have a DoDMERB forum like here, and they have a poster that is very versed in the rated world for them, including the FAA FC1 and II parameters. If CG has a site like that you maybe able to lurk, post or pm someone that has practical current experience from an FC1 perspective.
 
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I think cga82 gave you the best advice.

Thanks Pima!

I would check with someone who is a firstie/ 1st class. They should have the gouge on how the application process happens now since they have or are going through the process. They should be able to tell your daughter when her flight physical will be due.

Back in my day you had to go to sea for 2 yrs before applying. Since the CG/Navy/USMC are all Naval Aviation NAMI controls the medical side. The CG does or did have waivers for different aspects of the physical-don't know what happens now.

My son a USNA grad and USN Pilot had his eyes corrected at USNA-I think about 1/3 of the Mids get it done-at Betheseda Naval Hospital.
 
I'm pretty sure 95% (ok, maybe 99%) of my classmates (myself included) wanted to be pilots after spending the week at ATC Mobile for CATP over our 2/c summer.

Is there any other life? ha ha ha

I would have to brag on the Aviation Community. All the brown shoes know what I'm talking about..:shake:
 
Pima is right. Try AIRWARRIORS for the forum. She can start getting ready by studying and taking a written test. They have all the info there and you can ask questions with recent people.
 
Also, there isn't a large contingent of aviators at CGA (I think there are 6 of us here after this last transfer season), but if she is looking for some mentorship during her last two years we are more than willing to help her through the process.

Most of us would rather chat about CG aviation than what we teach anyway!:rolleyes:
 
Also, there isn't a large contingent of aviators at CGA (I think there are 6 of us here after this last transfer season), but if she is looking for some mentorship during her last two years we are more than willing to help her through the process.

Most of us would rather chat about CG aviation than what we teach anyway!:rolleyes:
I know my daughter, now becoming a 1/C would love to talk with someone. she is working on her PPL, doing everything right, but just can't get her vision in one eye to 20/20, even with correction. how can I get her in contact with you?
 
What are the limits of prk? Can you be a pilot after?


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