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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Can You Pass the Pilot Vision Test? Prove Your Eagle Eyes!

Ready to test your pilot eyesight? Start the free quiz below!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for pilot vision test quiz on teal background

This pilot vision test helps you check if your eyesight meets common aviation standards. You'll practice color vision, depth perception, and clarity under time, and you can try a short vision check plus a quick focus game. Finish with a simple score so you know what to practice before a medical exam.

What is considered perfect distance visual acuity for pilots when measured with a Snellen chart?
20/40
20/20
20/30
20/15
Visual acuity is measured using the Snellen chart and 20/20 is considered the standard for normal vision. This means the pilot can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision sees at 20 feet. Aviation standards require at least 20/20 corrected vision for the highest class of medical certificate.
For an FAA first-class medical, what is the minimum uncorrected distance vision requirement in each eye?
20/20
20/40
20/50
20/100
FAA Class I medical requirements state that uncorrected distant visual acuity must be at least 20/40 in each eye. If a pilot cannot meet this, corrective lenses may be used to achieve 20/20. This ensures minimum safety standards are met before correction.
Which of the following types of corrective lenses are acceptable to meet FAA vision requirements?
Sunglasses
Prescription eyeglasses
Contact lenses
Both prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses
FAA regulations allow pilots to use either prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision deficiencies. The correction must enable the pilot to meet distance and near vision requirements. Proper corrective lenses ensure safety and compliance during flight operations.
What is the minimum required horizontal field of vision in each eye for pilots according to FAA standards?
180 degrees
110 degrees
140 degrees
90 degrees
A horizontal field of vision of at least 140 degrees is required to safely monitor the environment and detect other traffic. This measurement ensures adequate peripheral awareness during flight. Pilots with restricted fields may be disqualified unless they receive an exemption.
True or False: Color vision is required for all FAA airman medical certificates.
True
False
The FAA requires all applicants to demonstrate the ability to perceive colors essential for signal light recognition and airport lighting. Color vision deficiencies can impair a pilot's ability to interpret red, green, and white lighting cues. True color vision is a standard requirement for pilot certification.
Which test is most commonly used to screen for red-green color deficiencies in pilot vision exams?
Titmus Fly
Ishihara plates
Amsler grid
Farnsworth D-15
Ishihara plates are the most commonly used screening tool for red-green color deficiencies in aviation physicals. The test consists of pseudoisochromatic plates that reveal color perception anomalies. Pilots must pass or receive a satisfactory alternate color vision test.
What minimum stereopsis threshold (depth perception) in seconds of arc is required by the FAA for pilots?
60 seconds of arc
100 seconds of arc
40 seconds of arc
20 seconds of arc
Stereopsis tests measure depth perception in seconds of arc, with lower values indicating better depth perception. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 seconds of arc to ensure adequate depth judgment. Proper depth perception is critical for tasks like formation flying and landing flare.
Which photoreceptor cell type in the retina is primarily responsible for vision under low-light, scotopic conditions?
Ganglion cells
Rods
Bipolar cells
Cones
Rods are photoreceptor cells in the retina that are most sensitive under low-light conditions, providing scotopic vision. Cones are responsible for photopic or daylight vision. At night, rods dominate and enable pilots to see in dim environments.
What is the near vision requirement for a first-class FAA medical certificate at the initial exam?
20/40 at 16 inches
20/30 at 16 inches
20/50 at 16 inches
20/20 at 16 inches
For a first-class medical, near vision must be 20/40 or better at 16 inches in each eye. This can be corrected with lenses to achieve the standard. Near acuity ensures pilots can read instruments and charts in the cockpit.
Which retinal cells are responsible for photopic (daylight) vision with high-resolution and color detection?
Amacrine cells
Cones
Ganglion cells
Rods
Cones are concentrated in the fovea and are responsible for high-resolution photopic vision under bright-light conditions. They allow perception of fine detail and color. A pilot's ability to see in daylight is primarily dependent on healthy cone function.
If a pilot has a corrected visual acuity of 20/15 in one eye and 20/20 in the other, what binocular acuity is recorded for a medical exam?
20/25
20/20
20/15
20/17
Binocular visual acuity is generally determined by the better eye. In this case, the 20/15 eye dictates the overall acuity since binocular summation doesn't reduce acuity. Pilots must meet or exceed required acuity in at least one eye for a medical certificate.
Which instrument is used to assess glare recovery time during aviation vision testing?
Humphrey Field Analyzer
Amsler grid
Goldmann perimeter
Bennett Glare Tester
The Bennett Glare Tester evaluates how quickly a subject can recover visual function after exposure to glare. Glare recovery is essential for pilots flying toward the sun or bright lights. Rapid recovery times increase safety during transitions from bright to dim conditions.
What operational limitation is typically placed on a pilot with vision in only one eye?
No IFR operations
No international flights
No passengers
Daylight VFR only
Pilots with vision in only one eye are typically limited to daylight VFR operations due to reduced depth perception and loss of peripheral vision. They may still qualify for a medical certificate but with this operational limitation. The restriction helps mitigate safety risks associated with monocular vision.
What minimum contrast sensitivity value (in log units) is generally acceptable for pilots to safely detect objects under low contrast conditions?
1.6
2.0
0.8
1.2
Contrast sensitivity measures the ability to discern objects against a background with similar luminance, with 1.6 log units considered a safe minimum for pilots. Low contrast environments are common in poor weather and twilight. Adequate contrast sensitivity helps detect runway markings and obstacles.
After undergoing radial keratotomy surgery, how long must a pilot wait before applying for reinstatement of their FAA medical certificate?
2 years
3 months
1 year
6 months
The FAA requires a one-year waiting period after radial keratotomy surgery to ensure refractive stability and corneal healing. This period allows ophthalmologists to confirm vision has stabilized before approving flight duties. Applicants must provide documentation of stable vision before medical reinstatement.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Pilot Visual Acuity Standards -

    Learn about the strict 20/20 vision requirements and how they apply to professional pilots.

  2. Identify Color Vision Criteria -

    Distinguish the color distinction trials used in a pilot eye exam and why accurate color perception is vital for flight safety.

  3. Evaluate Personal Pilot Eyesight -

    Apply simulated vision tests to determine if your own eyesight meets the aviation standards for pilots.

  4. Compare Fighter vs. Commercial Requirements -

    Analyze the different eyesight requirements for fighter pilots compared to commercial aviators to see where you fit.

  5. Navigate Pilot Eye Exam Procedures -

    Understand the key steps and instruments involved in an official pilot eye exam, from acuity charts to lens assessments.

  6. Interpret Quiz Results for Action -

    Use your quiz performance to decide if you need corrective lenses or further professional testing before takeoff.

Cheat Sheet

  1. 20/20 Visual Acuity Standards -

    Understanding the benchmark for pilot eyesight, most aviation authorities like the FAA require uncorrected or corrected 20/20 vision in each eye per Advisory Circular 67-3. A handy mnemonic is "20 over 20, you're ready to play" to lock in the ratio. This pilot vision test baseline ensures you can read flight instruments and runway markings clearly at distance.

  2. Color Vision & Chromatic Trials -

    Accurate color distinction is vital for interpreting cockpit lights and navigational aids, so many eye exams use the Farnsworth D-15 or Ishihara plates. Try the phrase "I SEE? Ishihara Says!" to remember the pseudo-isochromatic plates method. Failing these trials can trigger specialized color screening in your pilot eye exam.

  3. Depth Perception & Stereopsis Assessments -

    Proper stereopsis testing, such as the Howard-Dolman apparatus, ensures you judge distances during approach and landing accurately. Remember "3 dimensions in 3 seconds" to recall the 3 arc-second stereoacuity threshold many authorities require. This segment of the eyesight test for pilots validates smooth formation flying and spatial orientation.

  4. Corrective Measures & Medical Standards -

    Refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contacts or FAA-approved procedures like LASIK, so do pilots have to have 20/20 vision? You can often meet the 20/20 standard with correction, per official guidance. However, progressive conditions like keratoconus remain disqualifying unless waived by an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner).

  5. Eyesight Requirements for Fighter Pilots -

    Fighter aircraft demand exceptional vision - militaries often set uncorrected acuity at 20/20 with no more than ±0.50D refractive error, stricter than civilian roles. Memorize "Zero zero vision for zero zero jets" to recall the requirement for frontline pilots. Check official USAF and RAAF medical publications for the latest eyesight requirements for fighter pilots matrix.

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