Aviation News Item: 00707

1st Jun 2009

Source: ubmaviationnews.com

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published research, co-sponsored by the CAA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), on the minimum colour vision requirements for professional flight crew. The aim was to investigate new methods for accurate assessment of colour vision, in order to provide improved guidelines for minimum colour vision requirements for flight crew that are both safe and fair to applicants. Under the current guidelines, individuals with minimal colour deficiencies will often fail traditional tests, with many therefore being prevented from training as pilots. However, some of these individuals may be able to perform safety critical tasks just as well as those with normal colour vision, according to the research. The study employed a colour assessment and diagnosis (CAD) test, developed at City University London, which should provide an accurate and thorough assessment of the applicant's colour vision. "The CAA intends to promote this research internationally with a view to gaining acceptance of the CAD test and its incorporation in world-wide medical standards for pilots," said Dr Sally Evans, the authority's chief medical officer.

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