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Yes, you can become a pilot with glasses or contact lenses, including an airline pilot. The FAA vision standards apply with or without correction; you just have to wear your lenses when you fly. Color blindness is more complicated: since January 1, 2025, the FAA screens pilots with approved computer-based tests, and applicants who fail all of them can still receive a third class medical limited to day VFR flying.
Every class of FAA medical allows corrected vision. If you need lenses to meet the standard, you must wear them while flying.
Private pilots need 20/40 distant and near vision in each eye, with or without correction, under 14 CFR 67.303.
Commercial and airline pilots need 20/20 distant vision in each eye, with or without correction.
FDA-approved refractive surgery is not disqualifying once your vision has stabilized without significant complications.
Pilots now take one of three approved computer-based color vision tests, generally a one-time screening.
Failing every test leads to a third class medical marked "Valid for day visual flight rules (VFR) only," with an appeal path for more.
The FAA eye standards are written in 14 CFR Part 67: section 67.103 for first class, 67.203 for second class and 67.303 for third class. The key phrase in each is "with or without corrective lenses." The FAA cares about how well you see in the cockpit, not whether you need help to get there.
Which class do you need? A third class medical covers student, recreational and private pilots. A second class is required to exercise commercial pilot privileges, and a first class is required to act as pilot in command under an airline transport pilot certificate. If you are planning a career through our Airline Pilot Program, take a first class exam before you invest in training.
If your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) finds that you need correction to meet the standard, your certificate will carry a limitation such as "Must wear corrective lenses" for distant vision, or "Must have available glasses for near vision" if you only need readers. That limitation is a normal part of thousands of pilots' certificates and has no effect on what you can fly or where you can work.
Practical tips from the cockpit:
Our fleet includes both traditional instrument panels and the glass cockpit of the Cirrus SR22 Turbo. You can see what each looks like through your own lenses on a discovery flight.
The FAA accepts FDA-approved refractive procedures, including LASIK and PRK. According to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, you can be certified once your treating eye care professional has determined that your vision has stabilized and that there are no significant complications such as halos, glare, haze or impaired night vision, and you meet the vision standard for your class.
If the procedure was three or more months ago, the FAA may accept the AME's eye evaluation and a statement that there are no adverse effects. If it was within the last three months, the AME uses a refractive surgery status summary from your eye doctor. Either way, don't fly until your eye doctor clears you, and tell your AME about the surgery on your MedXPress application.
Other eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts or vision in only one eye, are evaluated individually and may require extra reports or a special authorization. Talk to an AME before your exam if one applies to you.
Often, yes. The regulation only requires the "ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties." Many people with mild color vision deficiency pass FAA testing. The process changed on January 1, 2025. Pilots are now screened with an approved computer-based color vision test, given in person; virtual, downloaded or printed versions are not accepted. The approved tests are:
Under the FAA's current AME guidance, here is what happens:
Color lenses such as X-Chrom are not accepted as correction. A day VFR limitation still lets you earn and enjoy a private or sport pilot license, but it rules out night and instrument flying and, without a successful appeal, a professional career.
For the full process, read our guides to the FAA medical certificate and BasicMed vs third class medical.
Glasses or not, the best way to find out if flying is for you is to fly. Our instructors at Van Nuys Airport are here 9 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week.
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The fastest way to know if the left seat is for you is to stand on the flight line. Book a free consultation — or reach us whichever way you like.
Tour the school, meet your instructors, sit in the cockpit, and leave with a personal training plan and exact pricing. Your Discovery Flight fee is credited toward training when you enroll within 24 hours.
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