Do you have severe colour vision deficiency (CVD)? You can still pursue your career in aviation with the help of the aviation colour vision assessment (ACVA) test. This test is being finalised for inclusion in the flight examiners manual. It will be available after CASA trains flight examiners.
To take the ACVA you must have attempted and not passed all the required colour vision tests first. This includes up to and including colour assessment and diagnosis (CAD) test.
Colour vision testing follows a sequence:
Pseudoisochromatic plates (Ishihara PIP)
Farnsworth lantern test (FALANT) or Optec 900 test
Colour assessment and diagnosis (CAD) test.
If you pass any of these tests you satisfy requirements for the issue of an unrestricted Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate.
The ACVA test
The ACVA is a practical flying test. The test checks your ability to accurately interpret operational information conveyed by the PAPI (Precision Approach Indicator Lights) in the required timeframe.
If you have CVD and you did not pass the 3 tests you can progress through to CPL/ATPL with flagging endorsements. These flagging endorsements may limit flying to ‘Day VFR’ (visual flight rules) only and ‘multicrew only’ where relevant in an operational setting.
CASA may consider removing a ‘Day VFR’ endorsement if you take the ACVA test.
Passing and failing the ACVA test
If you pass the ACVA test, your ‘Day VFR’ endorsement will be removed and replaced with ‘Valid for Night Flying without Passengers’.
Once you meet the ATPL IFR/Night hours component CASA can remove:
‘Valid for Night Flying without Passengers’ endorsement
‘Valid for instrument flight rules (IFR) or night flying as or with co‐pilot who does not have a multi‐crew restriction’ for CPL.
If you fail the ACVA test you can attempt the test only one more time. You must conduct this test as a separate flight.
You may only sit the ACVA test if you have not passed any of the colour vision tests up to and including the CAD test.
This article will help you prepare for your aviation medical and maximize your chances of getting through it without any stress or anxiety. Here are our top tips:
Medical History
Include as much detail as you can about your past medical history. This will help the assessor decide whether the past condition is safety relevant. If you do not include enough detail, they may request more information from your GP or specialist and this can delay the processing of your medical. Don’t forget to click ‘SUBMIT’ and pay the CASA processing fee, otherwise your DAME will not be able to access your file.
Your DAME
Try to see the same DAME each year as they will get to know you and be familiar with your medical history. They would also be more likely to see you at short notice or answer questions over the phone, if they know you or have seen you before. They can also help you upload any new documents to the CASA portal if required.
Plan ahead
Allow plenty of time to book in your medical before you have to fly solo. Once your medical is submitted to CASA, it can take 18-21 days for processing, depending on how busy they are. It can take longer if you need to submit additional reports or have additional tests. Don’t wait until the week before you are due to fly to get your medical, no matter how straight forward you think your medical history is.
Bring your Documents
Bring any documentation you have on any past or present medical conditions. This will help your DAME complete the classification(‘mapping’) of your medical history. If you have seen a specialist about a medical condition that is safety relevant, get a detailed specialist report before your visit to the DAME. This can be the last report written to your GP. Occasionally, CASA may require a more detailed report covering safety relevant aspects of your medical condition. In this case, you will need to see the specialist to get the report.
More Tests?
Don’t stress if CASA requests more tests or reports from your GP/specialist. The assessor is looking out for your safety and just wants to be reassured that you will not get into trouble when in the air. Get the tests done as guided by your DAME or get the relevant reports from the specialist. Most of the time, the tests will confirm you will likely be safe when in the air. The routine age related tests can be found on the CASA website.
When Not to take an Aviation Medical
If you are unwell, do not take your aviation medical. Wait until you have recovered. If your license is about to lapse, it is better to let it lapse and not fly while you are unwell. Otherwise, you may have restrictions placed on your license due to your illness.
Vision Correction Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you require correction, and your spare pair. Your visual acuity in each eye needs to be up to CASA standards to fly. Your distance, intermediate and near vision will be measured. Failing any part of the vision assessment may result in restrictions on your license or require a separate aviation eye examination. More details on aviation eye examinations can be found here.
Honestly is the best policy
Be honest about any drug or alcohol offences. If you have had a conviction related to drug or alcohol, it is an offence to lie about it or not declare it. If you are a heavy drinker, you may need to have additional tests to assess for liver damage. Alcohol consumption is not compatible with flying, so you may wish to consider cutting down or giving up the booze some months before you attempt the medical assessment. The same applies to illicit drug use.
Prepare the day before
Prepare your body for optimal health prior to your medical. Stay hydrated (you will need to supply a urine sample) and avoid caffeine the day before your exam. Get enough sleep and allow plenty of time to arrive for your assessment. Try to allow 10-15mins to settle down before you see the DAME (this will allow your Heart rate and Blood Pressure to settle to its normal levels). Don’t exercise excessively the day before the medical.
If you are fit and well, you will likely pass your aviation medical. The purpose of it is to keep you safe when you are in the air.
This number is allocated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to identify you for any interactions with them, for example, when you do a medical or a flight test. You can apply for one from CASA here
You will need 100 points for identification when you apply for you ARN – the list of suitable documents can be found here
Once you can access the MRS, enter your details and medical history in as much detail as you can. If you are unsure of the answer, you can tick the ‘unsure’ box and your DAME will help you fill in the correct answer at your aviation medical assessment.
If you wear corrective eye wear (contact lenses or glasses), get the prescription from your optometrist and bring it with you. You will also need to bring the spare pair of glasses which you will be carrying with you in the flight cabin as it will also be tested.
Recent medical investigations
If you have any recent blood test results or reports of medical investigations, get a copy from your family doctor and bring them to your consultation. These can be uploaded to your medical file. If you have had recent fasting blood glucose level, serum lipids and ECG done, these can be used as part of your Class I investigations. If not, your DAME can organize these for you.
Just before your appointment
If this is the first time you are seeing the DAME or DAO, bring a valid photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) as they will need to declare to CASA that they have sighted your ID. If you are a teenager and do not have a driver’s license or passport, your parent can identify themselves (with valid ID) and verify your identity.
Note that you will be required to provide a urine sample as part of the assessment so make sure you are hydrated and are able to do this (ie. Don’t empty your bladder before your visit).
Welcome to V1Med, your resource for Aviation Medicals.
If you are new to flying, and have made the decision to become a pilot, there is no looking back. V1 is the speed during takeoff at which the plane has been committed to fly.
This website summarizes what you need to know to get you ready for your aviation medical examination. It is a requirement by CASA to hold a valid medical certificate as a pilot to help keep you safe when you are in the sky.
