FAA Starts New Year With New Color Vision Testing Standards

Effective January 1st, 2025, the FAA Color Vision Testing (CVT) standards changed.  Now, only specifically designated and approved computer-based color vision screening tests will be acceptable for pilot exams.

Additionally, the test results will now be uploaded into the Airman’s medical examination similar to ECG’s.

The following tests are currently FAA-approved:

        • Waggoner CCVT
        • Rabin Cone Test (RCCT) Air Force/Army/Navy/Coast Guard Version
        • City Occupational Colour Assessment & Diagnosis (CAD; AVOT-PRO-US)

All new pilot applicants will be required to meet the new CVT standards.  Pilots who have previously met the CVT standards are not required to test unless they are upgrading their FAA Medical Certificate to a higher class or unless they disclose a new medical condition that has impacted their color vision.

In the event that an airman does not pass one or more of the accepted color vision tests, the AME will be required to make the appropriate notation and upload the test scoring sheet.  In this case, the AME will issue a 3rd Class Medical Certificate provided the airman is otherwise qualified with the added limitation “Valid for day visual flight rules (VFR) only.”  

If the airman were to seek an upgrade to 1st or 2nd class medical certificate, an appeal to the Federal Air Surgeon will be necessary.

When scheduling your aviation medical examination, make sure that the AME is using an approved CVT platform.  If not, your medical certificated will be invalidated once the error is identified.

If you have any questions about these new CVT requirements or anything else related to medical certification, please connect with us, because we know pilots, we know the regs and we are here to help.

Whether you simply love to fly, or you fly for a living, Steel City Direct Care works to keep you healthy, well and flight-ready!  Our practice specializes in aviators, athletes and urgent care for individuals, families and businesses.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Christopher T. Conti, MD is the Founder and Owner of Steel City Direct Care, LLC, a Pittsburgh, PA-based medical practice specializing in the care of athletes and aviators.  He is an emergency medicine physician with additional training in sports and concussion health.  He is currently a Team Physician for the US Soccer Federation (USSF), U14-U17 Youth National Team player pools, Medical Advisor for the PA West Soccer Association, a local affiliate of the United States Youth Soccer Association and the Medical Advisor for the Woodland Hills School District in suburban Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Conti serves as Medical Advisory Board Member for  SportGait and is also a Credentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC) for sports concussion care.  Dr. Conti is a designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Disclaimer
The information, opinions and content presented do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions of USSF, the FAA, PA West Soccer, USYS, FIFA, ImPACT, SportGait, the Woodland Hills School District or Steel City Direct Care, LLC.

None of the information presented should be construed as formal medical advice, nor should it be considered an acceptable substitute for a formal virtual or in-person encounter with an appropriately trained and licensed healthcare professional.  None of the above-listed entities, including Steel City Direct Care, LCC, are responsible for any adverse outcome associated with this content.
 
If you would like to schedule a virtual or in-person visit with Dr. Conti, please contact Steel City Direct Care

Steel City Direct Care is a Direct Patient Care (DPC) practice that provides targeted & specialized in-person and virtual care for aviators and athletes of every age and level of skill and participation.