Do You Need Perfect Eyesight to Become a Pilot?
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Vision is one of the first things people think about when imagining life in the cockpit. The image of a sharp-eyed pilot scanning the skies is hard to shake. So it’s easy to assume perfect eyesight is part of the job description. But what happens when your vision isn’t 20/20? Many aspiring pilots pause here, uncertain if their goals still hold altitude.
Pilot Vision Requirements: The Truth You Should Know
Perfect vision isn’t a barrier to entry for future pilots. The FAA doesn't require uncorrected 20/20 eyesight. What matters is that your vision can be corrected to meet certain standards. That correction might come from glasses, contact lenses, or even surgery, depending on the situation.
Here’s what the FAA typically evaluates during your medical exam:
- Distance and near vision (must be correctable to 20/20 for first-class medical)
- Depth perception
- Peripheral vision
- Ability to distinguish colors
- Overall eye health
For most people, minor vision issues don’t disqualify them from becoming a pilot. The key is understanding the limits and working within them. Training begins with knowledge, and knowing what’s actually required can bring your goal within reach.
Can You Still Fly With Glasses or Contacts?
Yes, and many do. Corrective lenses are widely accepted in aviation and are used by many student and professional pilots. The FAA permits pilots to fly wearing glasses or contact lenses as long as their vision can be corrected to the required standard.
If you use corrective lenses, your medical certificate may include a simple limitation that says you must wear them while flying. This is similar to needing glasses to drive. Some pilots also carry a spare pair, especially for longer flights, as a backup.
What's important is stability. If your vision is
being actively managed and your prescription is current, you're still eligible to fly. Eyewear doesn’t disqualify you. It helps you meet the standard.
Commercial Pilot Eyesight Requirements (FAA)
To fly professionally, pilots must pass a first- or second-class medical exam, depending on the type of flying they plan to do. These exams are administered by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and include a detailed check of visual function. The FAA sets specific eyesight standards that must be met, either naturally or with correction.
For a first-class medical certificate, which is required for airline transport pilots, the vision standards include:
- Distant vision: 20/20 or better in each eye (corrected if necessary)
- Near vision: 20/40 or better in each eye (corrected if necessary)
- Intermediate vision (age 50+): 20/40 or better in each eye (corrected if necessary)
- Ability to perceive colors required for safe aviation operations
These standards focus on safety and consistency, not perfection. Most people meet them comfortably.
How Vision Affects Your Medical Certification
Vision is one of several factors reviewed during your FAA medical exam. The process focuses on confirming a pilot’s ability to fly safely, not ruling out those with correctable vision issues. An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) evaluates your corrected and uncorrected vision, eye movement, color perception, and general eye health.
If you meet FAA standards using glasses or contacts, you’ll likely receive a certificate noting that you must wear them while flying. This is a routine step and doesn’t affect your training or certification progress.
In rare cases, if an issue appears, you might need extra documentation or testing from an eye care specialist. Most applicants complete the process smoothly, especially when their prescription is current.
What If Your Vision Changes Over Time?
Eyesight can shift gradually, especially with age or extended screen use. For pilots, these changes don’t automatically impact certification or career progress. The FAA expects pilots to maintain the required level of vision, which often means updating a prescription or adjusting corrective lenses.
During each renewal of your medical certificate, your vision is reassessed. If anything falls outside the expected range, your AME may ask for additional testing or refer you to a specialist. This review helps keep flying safe without unnecessary obstacles.
Most vision changes are easy to manage. As long as your corrected vision meets FAA standards, your certification and flying privileges remain in good standing.
Real Pilots Who Don’t Have Perfect Vision
Plenty of commercial pilots wear glasses or contacts every time they fly. Some began training already using corrective lenses, while others noticed vision changes later in their careers. What they share is a consistent ability to meet FAA medical standards with correction.
Airline captains, cargo pilots, flight instructors, and corporate jet crews include people with everything from mild nearsightedness to astigmatism. Many also choose LASIK or PRK to reduce reliance on glasses, both permitted after a short recovery and follow-up period.
Perfect vision isn’t required for success in aviation. Professionalism, awareness, and sound decision-making matter more. Vision can be corrected. Commitment and discipline carry you through training and into the cockpit.
Take the First Step to Becoming a Pilot
Once you understand how vision requirements truly work, the path to a flying career becomes easier to picture. You don’t need perfect eyesight to be a pilot. What matters is your ability to meet FAA medical standards, often with corrective lenses.
The first-class medical certificate may sound intimidating at first, but most healthy individuals pass without difficulty. Getting an eye exam, knowing your prescription, and speaking with an Aviation Medical Examiner can clear up concerns early.
If flying has been your dream and the vision was the reason you waited, now is a good time to re-evaluate. Many pilots began from the same point and moved forward once they understood the facts. Some went on to earn their Illinois pilot license and start careers in commercial aviation.
Ready to Fly? Let’s Talk
If becoming a professional pilot is something you’ve seriously considered, vision doesn’t have to be the reason you hesitate. JA Flight has guided many students, including those who wear corrective lenses, to stay focused and progress confidently through each stage of training.
Our team understands the questions that arise early, especially around
medical requirements. We’ll walk you through what to expect, connect you with trusted Aviation Medical Examiners, and help you take that first step toward training.
You might be starting at Liberty University or transitioning into aviation from another career. Either way, we’re ready to help you move closer to your goal.
Contact us today to schedule a visit or speak directly with our admissions team. Your future in the cockpit starts here. We’ll also outline scheduling, equipment, and the
cost of flight lessons so you can plan with confidence.
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