Monocular Vision: Medical Flight Test Procedures for Pilots

Special medical flight tests, which may lead to the issuance of medical certificates under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 67, section 67.401, are frequently required for applicants who do not meet certain medical standards.  These tests are conducted solely by inspectors and may be conducted only on the basis of a letter of authorization (LOA).  (See FAA Order 8700.1, figure 27-1.)  The LOA for a person who has requested a special medical test must be issued by the Aero medical Certification Division, AAM-300.  Concurrence from the regional Flight Surgeon is required before any operating limitations on pilot certificates issued to pilots with physical deficiencies can be removed

If you don't meet medical standards, don't despair immediately.  Inquire if a Medical Flight Test (MFT) might be appropriate in your situation.  You may even be able to combine your required practical test for a pilot certification (or additional rating) with your MFT.  This requires active coordination between the FAA Examiner, your AME and sometimes Air Traffic Control (ATC), but thousands of pilots have successfully acquired or restored their aviation credentials through MFTs.  To learn more about this, discuss the feasibility with your flight instructor and your AME.  You will need a Letter of Authorization (LOA) and will need to review the procedures for the type of MFT you are seeking.  Just like any other checkride, you must familiarize yourself with the tasks and the passing standards.  It is possible to independently pass or fail either the practical and/or medical demonstration portions of the checkride.  If you have a color vision problem, review the Signal Light Test (SLT) procedures; otherwise review the general MFT procedures.