Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Application Process for Medical Certification
Exam Techniques and Criteria for Qualification
Item 50. Distant Vision
-
Code of Federal Regulations
- First-Class: 14 CFR 67.103(a)
- Second-Class: 14 CFR 67.203(a)
- Third-Class: 14 CFR 67.303(a)
FAA Approved Examination Techniques
Item 50. Distant Vision
- Each eye will be tested separately, and both eyes together.
- Snellen 20-foot eye chart may be used as follows:
- The Snellen chart should be illuminated by a 100-watt incandescent lamp placed 4 feet in front of and slightly above the chart.
- The chart or screen should be placed 20 feet from the applicant's eyes and the 20/20 line should be placed 5 feet 4 inches above the floor.
- A metal, opaque plastic, or cardboard occluder should be used to cover the eye not being examined.
- The examining room should be darkened with the exception of the illuminated chart or screen.
- If the applicant wears corrective lenses, the uncorrected acuity should be determined first, then corrected acuity. If the applicant wears contact lenses, see the recommendations in Items 31-34, Eye, Contact Lenses.
- Common errors:
- Failure to shield the applicant's eyes from extraneous light.
- Permitting the applicant to view the chart with both eyes.
- Failure to observe the applicant's face to detect squinting.
- Incorrect sizing of projected chart letters for a 20-foot distance.
- Failure to focus the projector sharply.
- Failure to obtain the corrected acuity when the applicant wears glasses.
- Failure to note and to require the removal of contact lenses.
- Directions furnished by the manufacturer or distributor should be followed when using substitute devices for the above testing.
The AME must personally conduct the physical examination. This section provides guidance for completion of Items 21-58 of the Application for Airman Medical Certificate or Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate, FAA Form 8500-8.
The AME must carefully read the applicant's history page of FAA Form 8500-8 (Items 1-20) before conducting the physical examination and completing the Report of Medical Examination. This alerts the AME to possible pathological findings.
The AME must note in Item 60 of the FAA Form 8500-8 any condition found in the course of the examination. The AME must list the facts, such as dates, frequency, and severity of occurrence.
When a question arises, the Federal Air Surgeon encourages AMEs first to check this Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners and other FAA informational documents. If the question remains unresolved, the AME should seek advice from a RFS or the Manager of the AMCD.
After all routine evaluations and tests are completed, the AME should make a complete review of FAA Form 8500-8. If the form is complete and accurate, the AME should add final comments, make qualification decision statements, and sign the declaration. The medical history page of FAA Form 8500-8 must be completed in the handwriting of and signed and dated by the applicant. Upon completion of the physical examination, the entire FAA Form 8500-8, Items 1 through 64, must be electronically transmitted to the FAA.
Note: Numbers correspond to the required entry in the AME portion of the FAA Form 8500-8
Note: Numbers correspond to the required entry in the AME portion of the FAA Form 8500-8