I am very stressed out. Color vision test

HopefulAdolescent

5-Year Member
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Sep 27, 2014
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Hello ladies and gents,

I am a 15 year old who lives in Southern California whose dream it has been to become a fighter jet pilot in the navy/marines. I am just feeling very VERY stressed about the color vision test. I think I might be able to pass the PIP test (according to how decent I have been doing on the online versions). Until this FALANT test comes up as a secondary test for Naval aviation. There is a bunch of info and practice for the Ishihara/PIP test but zero info on the FALANT test. How hard is the FALANT test? 8 feet seems kind of far to look at 2 tiny dots and be able to differentiate the colors. I have had zero problems with colors in the real word, but when it comes to those plates, I will miss a few. Please PLEASE provide me with some information to put my mind at ease. I am one of those over analyzers and this will drive me crazy until it is time to take the test. If you could provide some info on the FALANT test I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!
 
The FALANT test is very easy for people who do not have red/green color problems. The lights are plenty bright and easily distinguished.

The hard part is actually finding the lantern as it is not a common machine for an eye doctor to have.

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As KP said, the FALANT/OPTEC-900 is an easier test. Typically, the Navy, Army and USMC will give an applicant the FALANT if they fail the PIPs.

There are credible rumors that the Navy may consider adopting the Air Force Cone Contrast Test. If that is the case and you actually do have a color vision deficiency, then you may not be able to reach that dream. Despite my perfect scores on all previous color vision tests (including PIP), I failed the CCT and the AF has DQ'd me (for the time being) from ever flying.

The Navy/USMC standard for the PIP is 12/14 or better. Online versions do not accurately imitate the test. For example, on the anomaloscope simulation online (most effective color vision test in existence right now), I get a perfect match but clearly "fail" it in the real world.

Hate to give you a scare on this post. If you do go Navy/USMC and you are concerned about color vision, rest assured they are the most lenient for the time being with the lowest color vision standard. If you are referred to or find a FALANT/OPTEC-900 test, it will be an easier test to accomplish than the PIPs.
 
I get your stress, but I have to ask a question.

Do your parents have medical insurance that covers vision?

Instead of doing tests on websites, and impo,no offense, self diagnosing yourself. Go to an eye doc. I have 2 kids with vision issues and I myself being almost 50 have had yearly exams. I have had to look in the machine and decipher the number in contrasting dots.

Just saying before relying on the internet for diagnosing if you do or don't have vision deficiency, go to a qualified doctor.

Honestly, yes this issue is a factor and you can find a ton of threads discussing this issue and waivers. However, there are just as many threads where candidates get nailed on correctable vision, and the aspect of PRK/LASIK. You need to pass both aspects. IOWS you may only looking at one aspect out of fear and ignoring the other.

If your folks have an insurance plan that covers vision, impo the fastest way to get this knot in your stomach untwisted is by getting a doc to exam you and not the internet.

Not trying to be rude...just trying to assist.
 
Thank you for the replies. I am getting an eye exam today and hopefully I will do ok on the color vision part (i think they are going to do the 38 plate version of the ishihara so there is no way of comparing it to the 14 plate version of the navy). I wish I could find a place where I could do the FALANT test but I don't think there is such a place other than on a base. If I can pass the 38 plate version do you think I will be ok and be able to fly later when my vision gets tested again for the navy? I guess of worst comes to worst I will go to the marines infantry or something
 
UPDATE:

I just had my eye exam and I passed the ishihara plate tests but there were only 6 of them :(. So not a very extensive test but gave me a crack of hope. I have 20/15 if you guys were wondering so my vision is excellent
 
It sounds like you are fine. The PIP is much more difficult than the FALANT. If you are able to see the PIPs, then you will never test on the FALANT. Time to worry about more important issues!
 
Thanks hornetguy, what should I be focusing on now? I am focusing on my grades and extra curricular and leadership but is there anything I can do to help with flying in the future?
 
Thanks hornetguy, what should I be focusing on now? I am focusing on my grades and extra curricular and leadership but is there anything I can do to help with flying in the future?

Nope. Take it from a guy who has been at a UPT base for a year now..... focus on Academy or service specific stuff and getting the scholarship or slot you want. The services do an excellent job of producing pilots from scratch. Sometimes the best people are those who come in fresh without prior aviation or at least not much prior experience. Keep working on the grades and physical fitness.
 
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