FAA Medical Vision Requirements: A Pilot's Guide

Your eyes are part of every FAA medical exam, and the rules differ by class. The good news: most pilots who wear glasses or contacts still qualify. This guide breaks down the vision standards for first, second, and third class, plus what to know about color vision and corrective lenses. Always confirm the current rules with your AME or the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.

The core vision standards by class

The FAA sets distant and near vision limits for each medical class. Here is the short version.

First class: Distant vision of 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without correction.
Second class: Distant vision of 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without correction.
Third class: Distant vision of 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without correction.
Near vision, all classes: 20/40 or better in each eye at 16 inches, with or without correction.

So first and second class hold you to a tighter distant standard than third class. Near vision is the same for everyone. If you are not sure which class you need, see FAA medical classes explained.

What "with or without correction" means

It means you can wear glasses or contacts to meet the standard. The FAA cares that you can see well enough to fly safely, not that you see perfectly without help. If you pass with lenses, your certificate will note that you must wear them while flying.

Glasses and contacts: what to expect at the exam

Bring your glasses or contacts to the exam. The AME will test you with them on. If you wear contacts, tell the AME which type. Some pilots bring a backup pair of glasses as well.

A few practical tips:

Bring your current prescription and your lenses.
Do not switch to a new prescription right before the exam. Give your eyes time to adjust.
If you wear multifocal or progressive lenses, bring them. The AME checks near vision too.
If you have had vision correction surgery, tell the AME. Bring any records you have.

The AME records whether you meet the standard with correction. That note becomes a limitation on your certificate. It is common and does not ground you. You just have to wear the lenses when you fly.

If your vision has changed since your last exam, get an eye exam before your FAA exam. It is easier to fix a prescription than to deal with a deferral. For a full walkthrough of exam day, read what to expect at your exam.

Color vision: the rule and the workaround

Pilots must be able to tell the colors needed to do their job safely. The AME usually checks this with a color vision test such as the Ishihara plates.

If you fail the first test, you are not automatically out. The FAA allows other approved tests, and some pilots complete a practical test. Ask your AME which options apply to you. Do not guess or try to memorize the plates. Answering falsely on FAA Form 8500-8 is a federal offense.

Color vision rules can be technical. Confirm the current options with your AME or the FAA before you schedule.

What happens if you do not meet the standard

The AME has three choices: issue, deny, or defer. A deferral sends your file to the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City or a Regional Flight Surgeon. Reviews can take weeks or months.

Many vision issues do not end in a denial. The FAA can grant a Special Issuance under 14 CFR 67.401, which lets it issue a certificate with a condition that does not meet the standard. For some conditions, an AME can reissue under set rules (AME Assisted Special Issuance) or issue on the spot using a CACI worksheet. See the Special Issuance guide for how that process works.

If you know you have a vision condition, talk to your AME before you submit your MedXPress application. A little planning can save months.

Other vision checks in the exam

Distant and near vision are the headline tests, but the exam covers more. Depending on your class and age, the AME may also check:

Intermediate vision for pilots age 50 and over, at 20/40 with or without correction.
Depth perception and peripheral vision, which support safe flying.
Eye health, including a basic look at the eyes themselves.

These checks help the AME decide whether you can perform your duties safely. They are not separate pass or fail gates in every case, but they matter. Ask your AME if you have questions about a specific test.

Vision and BasicMed

BasicMed lets some private pilots fly without a current FAA medical certificate. It does not use the FAA class vision standards. Instead, you get an exam from any state-licensed physician every 48 months using the FAA Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist.

To use BasicMed, you must have held a valid FAA medical certificate at some point after July 14, 2006, and take an approved online medical course every 24 months. Flights must be below 18,000 feet MSL, at 250 knots or less, and not for compensation or hire. Aircraft and passenger limits were raised by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, so check the current FAA BasicMed page.

BasicMed can be a good fit for private pilots whose vision no longer meets a class standard but who can still fly safely. Compare your options in BasicMed vs third class.

How to get ready today

You can act on this now, before your next exam.

Check your prescription. If your glasses are old, get an eye exam first.
Bring your lenses to the FAA exam, plus a backup pair if you have one.
Fill out MedXPress before the exam and bring the confirmation number. The application stays valid for 60 days.
Tell the AME about any eye surgery, condition, or color vision history up front.
Call the office about fees and any questions. AMEs set their own fees, and prices vary by city and class.

Ready to book? Find an AME near you. You can also browse Aviation Medical Examiners in California, Aviation Medical Examiners in Texas, or Aviation Medical Examiners in Florida. To understand how our directory ranks examiners, read how we rank AMEs.

Rules can change. When in doubt, check the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners or ask your AME.

Key takeaways

First and second class need 20/20 distant vision in each eye; third class needs 20/40. All classes need 20/40 near vision at 16 inches.
You can wear glasses or contacts to meet the standard. If you do, your certificate will note that you must wear them while flying.
Color vision is required, but there are approved alternate tests and options if you fail the first check. Ask your AME.
If you do not meet the standard, the AME can deny or defer. Special Issuance and AME reissue options exist for many conditions.
BasicMed is a separate path for some private pilots and does not use the FAA class vision standards. Check the current FAA BasicMed page.

Common questions

Can I fly a Vision Jet under BasicMed?

BasicMed is for private pilot privileges, not jet operations that need a type rating and higher medical class. The Vision Jet is a turbine aircraft, so check the FAA BasicMed page and your insurance. Confirm with the FAA or your AME before you fly.

Is there a vision requirement for an air traffic controller?

This page covers pilot medicals, not air traffic controller standards. The FAA sets separate medical and vision rules for controllers. Check the FAA Air Traffic Controller medical page or ask your employer for the current requirements.

What are the FAA guidelines for medication use during flight?

The FAA does not allow flying while using many medicines, especially ones that cause drowsiness. Some antidepressants can be certified with a Special Issuance after a stable period. Tell your AME about all medicines you take. Confirm with the FAA or your AME before flying.

What medical do commercial pilots need?

Commercial pilot privileges need a second class medical. It is valid for 12 months. First class is needed for airline transport pilot privileges. Many commercial pilots hold a first class certificate, which drops to second or third class privileges as time passes.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. FAA rules change. Check the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners or ask your AME about your own case. Read our editorial policy.