After almost a decade of lobbying by NZALPA and other industry groups, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is changing its rules for pilots with a colour vision deficiency.
Until now, pilots with more severe colour vision deficiency have been unable to operate at night or to carry passengers commercially – major restrictions for anyone wanting a career as a commercial pilot.
Colour vision is part of hereditary genetics. It is a condition that never changes and doesn’t deteriorate with age. Colour vision deficiency is more common in males than females. It affects about eight percent of males in New Zealand and less than one percent of females. The Ishihara test is used at initial medical examinations for both class one and two certificates. Presented in a book with various coloured patterns, numbers and shapes, every pilot is required to undergo this test.
From 1 June this year there is fresh hope for those who have failed the Ishihara colour vision test used by CAA.
CAA’s new approach allows pilots with the mildest form of colour vision deficiency to have unrestricted medical certification. Those with more significant deficiency can opt for a practical assessment (including ground and flight elements) called an operational colour vision assessment (OCVA). This will be with an A Category Instructor, Flight Examiner.
Pilots will be assessed on their ability to recognise information on charts and maps, instrumentation and display screens, terrain features and surface obstacles. Risk mitigation is assessed during both the ground and flight phase. Candidates can choose a day or night assessment option – or both, which could result in a pilot receiving a full unrestricted class one medical certificate for either or both requirements.
The CAA changes bring New Zealand into line with other countries, such as the United States. Pilots from the United States with colour vision deficiency routinely fly in New Zealand airspace.
In its announcement of the change, the CAA refers to extensive work the agency has done with industry and pilots who have colour vision deficiency. “There is evidence that the majority of colour vision deficient pilots pose no greater safety risk than their normally sighted colleagues, as long as they are tested, and pass an appropriate assessment,” the CAA announcement says.
NZALPA President Tim Robinson says the CAA changes to the colour vision deficiency assessment mean it is more relevant to the pilot and the environment they are operating in. “Colour vision deficient pilots fly to the same level of safety in our view and this test should prove that. Many colour vision deficient men and women have the potential to be very competent pilots and I am sure this assessment will prove that their colour vision deficiency doesn’t affect their standard as a pilot,” says Robinson.
A number of occupations screen new entrants for colour vision deficiency – including air traffic control, police and defence forces. New Zealand air traffic controllers are required to have “no deficit of colour vision to an extent that is of aeromedical significance.”
In relation to pilots and air traffic controllers, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) says “The applicant shall be required to demonstrate the ability to perceive readily those colours the perception of which is necessary for the safe performance of duties.” Each contracting ICAO state can use a range of testing methods to establish a pilot’s colour vision.
CAA’s new medical policy will open up career opportunities for younger pilots and kiwis living and flying abroad with this condition. NZALPA gathered support from almost 20,000 member pilots of Australian pilot unions, New Zealand recreational flyers and industry groups as part of the public consultation.
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