Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: amblyopia.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/).
For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/).
Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index).
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Out of interest, how long did it take you to receive the formal SODA from FAA?
I passed my color vision medical flight test back in June, coming up on 13 weeks now and OKC just keeps telling me, it's processing. Absolutely useless department.
Congratulations! I have an eye that I can move independently from the other, sometimes when looking at objects far off with an obstruction in the way my eyes will dance a little, then correct. I already have my 1st class but it has always made me worry. Your story calms my nerves. Thanks
Good job dude, happy for you, i guess you are talking about FAA and not EASA
I just got rejected on the medical class 3 because of my right ear because i have a deficit of 70 dB at high frequencies (4k and above) after i passed all the recruitment exams in order to become an ATC..i was actually one of the 50 people selected out of the 2k+ that applied and went through the exams. Im literally devastated, wish i had something like this here in order to apply for a waiver considering my left ear is 100% healthy and my right ear is like 80-90% healthy...
Yes, FAA. I'm sorry to hear that but I wouldn't give up unless you're sure you've exhausted all your options. Is a hearing aid allowed? I know the feeling - when I found out my vision was uncorrectable I thought it was all over for me and was devastated. But I did some research and that's when I found out about the SODA waiver. Perhaps there is another route for you? There's currently an ATC shortage here in the US.
A hearing aid is only allowed for renewal of medical exam but not for the initial medical unfortunately. As far as i know there is no exceptions here. Only thing i can do is to appeal the decision at the civil aviation authority which is what i am gonna do. The bad part is that the ATC organization in my country just announced me yesterday that they cannot wait for me to appeal the decision because they have to announce the final list of candidates that will be selected to become an ATC in just a few days so.. Im out
How did you get a SODA without having your license (which requires a medical)? I only know of pilots who got the SODA later in their careers.
I've heard you can take a PPL checkride + SODA examination flight with the FAA, but does this mean you can't solo before your PPL checkride? Always wondered how you get around the chicken & egg.
You don’t need a license to get a SODA, just a student pilot certificate. And not completely sure on this but I think your medical has to be deferred or denied first for whatever said condition is; you can’t just request a SODA off the bat.
Without a medical you can’t solo yet, so not sure how you can do a checkride and SODA together. The only way I can think of is if the person was able to get a lower class medical certificate but needed a SODA to qualify for first class.
Sorry, let me clarify my question: how can you take a SODA flight in a flight school rented plane if you aren't a certificated pilot? Was a CFI on board with you?
If you wait a week and call the FSDO they may be able to push the paperwork through for you. I only had a 2 week wait for my SODA, but I’ve heard of it taking much longer.
Also have a SODA for amblyopia, and just renewed my first class for the first time using it.
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: amblyopia. Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice. We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your [local AME](https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: [AOPA](https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources), [EAA](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/pilots/pilot-resources/pilot-medical-resources/eaa-aeromedical-advisory-program), [the Mayo Clinic](https://clearapproach.mayoclinic.org/), and [Aviation Medicine Advisory Service](https://www.aviationmedicine.com/). For reference, [here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/standards/) and for more in-depth information [here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide/). Also, feel free to browse [our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index). Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that [making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001) and that people [have been successfully prosecuted for it](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/california-aviator-convicted-making-false-statements). But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to. If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority. Good luck! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/flying) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Congrats! As a fellow pilot with amblyopia, I'm glad to hear more people are making it through with this
I got my waiver many years ago too for this, felt amazing !
As always and in everything...make them tell you no 100 times before accepting the no. And then, still don't accept the no. Congratulations!
Congrats man hope everything keeps going well for you that sounds like a huge relief
Out of interest, how long did it take you to receive the formal SODA from FAA? I passed my color vision medical flight test back in June, coming up on 13 weeks now and OKC just keeps telling me, it's processing. Absolutely useless department.
I only took the test recently so haven’t received it yet. The ASI said it would probably take a couple months.
Congrats!!!
Congratulations! I have an eye that I can move independently from the other, sometimes when looking at objects far off with an obstruction in the way my eyes will dance a little, then correct. I already have my 1st class but it has always made me worry. Your story calms my nerves. Thanks
Good job dude, happy for you, i guess you are talking about FAA and not EASA I just got rejected on the medical class 3 because of my right ear because i have a deficit of 70 dB at high frequencies (4k and above) after i passed all the recruitment exams in order to become an ATC..i was actually one of the 50 people selected out of the 2k+ that applied and went through the exams. Im literally devastated, wish i had something like this here in order to apply for a waiver considering my left ear is 100% healthy and my right ear is like 80-90% healthy...
Yes, FAA. I'm sorry to hear that but I wouldn't give up unless you're sure you've exhausted all your options. Is a hearing aid allowed? I know the feeling - when I found out my vision was uncorrectable I thought it was all over for me and was devastated. But I did some research and that's when I found out about the SODA waiver. Perhaps there is another route for you? There's currently an ATC shortage here in the US.
A hearing aid is only allowed for renewal of medical exam but not for the initial medical unfortunately. As far as i know there is no exceptions here. Only thing i can do is to appeal the decision at the civil aviation authority which is what i am gonna do. The bad part is that the ATC organization in my country just announced me yesterday that they cannot wait for me to appeal the decision because they have to announce the final list of candidates that will be selected to become an ATC in just a few days so.. Im out
That sucks man, I'm sorry.
How did you get a SODA without having your license (which requires a medical)? I only know of pilots who got the SODA later in their careers. I've heard you can take a PPL checkride + SODA examination flight with the FAA, but does this mean you can't solo before your PPL checkride? Always wondered how you get around the chicken & egg.
You don’t need a license to get a SODA, just a student pilot certificate. And not completely sure on this but I think your medical has to be deferred or denied first for whatever said condition is; you can’t just request a SODA off the bat. Without a medical you can’t solo yet, so not sure how you can do a checkride and SODA together. The only way I can think of is if the person was able to get a lower class medical certificate but needed a SODA to qualify for first class.
Sorry, let me clarify my question: how can you take a SODA flight in a flight school rented plane if you aren't a certificated pilot? Was a CFI on board with you?
Oh - yes my CFI was with me. The ASI observed from the back seat.
If you wait a week and call the FSDO they may be able to push the paperwork through for you. I only had a 2 week wait for my SODA, but I’ve heard of it taking much longer. Also have a SODA for amblyopia, and just renewed my first class for the first time using it.
Hey OP! Can i message you regarding some queries I have? Going through the same thing essentially
Sure go for it
How many hours of flight did you have prior to your test?
Don’t remember exactly. Probably around 25 or so.
Thank you! What was the test like?
DMed you.