What it is
Color blindness, more precisely called color vision deficiency, means the eyes perceive some colors differently than most people do. It usually involves difficulty telling certain reds, greens, or blues and yellows apart. The main types are protan (red-related), deutan (green-related), and tritan (blue-yellow-related), and each can range from mild to more significant.
Aviation matters because pilots may need to recognize colored signals, lights, charts, and cockpit displays. Aviation authorities therefore set color vision standards as part of medical certification. Those standards differ by country, by type of license, and by the type of flying involved.
Having a color vision deficiency does not automatically answer the question either way. Some people with mild deficiencies may meet certain standards, while others may face limits or restrictions. Standards also change over time, so any general answer needs to be checked against current rules.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, aviation authorities have used color vision screening as part of the pilot medical examination. Screening commonly relies on pseudoisochromatic plates, which are patterns of colored dots that hide numbers or shapes. Some authorities also accept other tests or practical assessments for people who do not pass the first screening.
Because requirements vary, the same person might be treated differently depending on the authority, the class of medical certificate, and the type of flying. Some certificates may be issued with limitations, such as restrictions on night flying or on relying on colored signals. Others may be available only after additional testing.
Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses are sometimes discussed by people with color blindness. They do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision, and how well they work varies with the person's type (protan, deutan, or tritan) and severity. Aviation authorities have their own rules about whether such devices are allowed during testing or flying, so this is something to confirm directly with the authority.
How the right doctor may help
The right provider may help you understand what type of color vision deficiency you have and how significant it is. A visit with an eye care professional who offers comprehensive color vision testing generally includes a health and vision history, a conversation about your goals, and a series of color vision tests. Results may give you a clearer picture than a quick screening can.
If you are considering a flying career, a provider who offers occupational and licensing color vision testing may be able to explain what the results mean in the context of aviation standards. They cannot decide whether an aviation authority will accept you. That decision belongs to the authority and its designated medical examiners.
Helpful questions to ask include: Which type of color vision deficiency do I have, and how severe is it? Which tests are most relevant to the aviation authority I am interested in? Can I get documentation of my results? Do you work with aviation medical examiners, and should I speak with one before I invest in training?
The whole-person view
Career goals can carry real emotional weight. Hearing that a dream may have limits can bring up disappointment, stress, or worry about the future, and those feelings can affect sleep, focus, and overall well-being. Body, mind, and stress influence one another, so taking care of the whole person matters during the process.
Some people find that body-based support, such as the approaches offered through Somatic Experiences, helps them work with stress held in the body. Others prefer talk therapy, which you can explore through Therapists.plus. Either way, talking with trusted people and getting clear information may make it easier to explore options, including other roles in aviation.
Keep in mind
- Color vision standards for aviation vary by country, license type, and employer, and they change over time. Confirm current requirements with the specific aviation authority, employer, or licensing body before making career or training decisions.
- Color-enhancing glasses or contact lenses do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision, and results vary by type and severity. Ask a licensed provider whether they are appropriate for you and whether your authority allows them.
- Licensed professionals should guide care and testing decisions. This page is educational only and is not medical advice.
- For emergencies, call 911. If you are in a crisis or feeling overwhelmed, call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
Can color blind people be pilots?
Some can, depending on the type and severity of their color vision deficiency, the kind of flying, and the aviation authority's rules. Others may face restrictions or may not qualify for certain certificates. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and an aviation medical examiner.
Is color blindness an automatic disqualifier for becoming a pilot?
Not necessarily. Many authorities use screening tests first and may offer additional testing or alternative assessments if someone does not pass. Rules vary and change over time, so check with the specific authority.
How is color vision tested for pilots?
Testing commonly starts with a screening such as colored-dot plates. Some authorities offer other tests or practical assessments afterward. The exact tests accepted depend on the authority and certificate class, so ask them directly.
Can color blind glasses help me qualify as a pilot?
Color-enhancing glasses and contact lenses do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision, and their effect varies by type and severity. Authorities set their own rules on whether such devices can be used for testing or flying. Ask the authority and a licensed provider before relying on them.
What kind of doctor can test my color vision for aviation?
An eye care professional who offers comprehensive color vision testing can help identify your type and severity. For aviation medical certification specifically, authorities generally rely on their own designated medical examiners. A provider with occupational and licensing testing experience may help you prepare.
Are there other aviation careers for people with color blindness?
Aviation includes many roles beyond piloting, and requirements differ from one role to another. Some positions may have color vision standards and others may not. Check with the employer or licensing body for the specific role you are considering.
Educational resource. Colorblind Glasses shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.