Can I Become a Pilot with -12.5 Dioptres of Myopia in Both Eyes?
The ability to become a pilot with myopia, such as -12.5 dioptres in both eyes, can largely depend on the specific type of pilot you aspire to be and the regulations in place.
Commercial Aviation and Other Types of Flying
For commercial aviation, the criteria for vision requirements are relatively strict. You must have 6/6 (20/20) vision and not be color blind, regardless of whether you have myopia or hypermetropia. This is a general rule that applies to both pilots and crew members.
Transport Pilots and Civil Aviation Standards
In the realm of transport and general civil aviation, the standards vary, but myopia up to -6 dioptres is generally acceptable. However, if you have a diopter level of -12.5 in both eyes, you are likely to face more substantial challenges. Several factors come into play, such as visual acuity and visual field considerations.
Corrective Vision and Medical Examinations
As long as your vision can be corrected to 20/20 (6/6) with the use of corrective lenses, you stand a better chance of being able to become a pilot. The best approach is to undergo a Class 1 medical examination before starting your flight training. A Class 1 medical will not only assess your vision but also any other significant medical conditions you may have that you might not be aware of.
For instance, I know of a pilot who started their training with a Class 2 medical and discovered they were color blind after a few hours of flight training. They were then issued a restricted Class 2 medical, which allowed them to obtain their Private Pilot License (PPL).
Military vs. Civilian Aviation
Becoming a military pilot is significantly more restrictive in terms of vision requirements. Myopia at -12.5 dioptres is almost certain to disqualify you from becoming a military pilot. However, for civilian private pilots, your ability to obtain a license depends largely on your corrected vision.
Most jurisdictions allow pilots to be certified with vision correctable to 20/20 (6/6) outside the United States. In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may have specific limitations, and you would need to consult an FAA-authorized medical examiner for personalized advice.
Conclusion and Further Action
If you have myopia at -12.5 dioptres and are considering becoming a pilot, especially in the military, your prospects are limited. However, for civilian aviation, your corrected vision might still be sufficient to obtain a private pilot’s license.
For detailed guidance, you should contact either the FAA or an aviation association such as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for a list of FAA-appointed medical examiners who specialize in vision-related issues for pilots. This will provide you with the most accurate and personalized advice.