Military pilots handle some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. They’re also entrusted with complex missions that require exceptional skill and precision. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there are strict visual vision requirements if you hope to be a military pilot.
Fortunately, you don’t need to have a 20/20 vision to qualify. It’s not uncommon for Air Force and military pilots to wear glasses and contacts or undergo Lasik eye surgery to correct vision. We’ll discuss the visual requirements for the major U.S. Military branches and how you might qualify despite having less-than-stellar eyesight.
And did you know if you’re a member of the military you can get exclusive discounts on top eyewear brands like Oakley? Check out our guide to Oakley’s Standard Issue Program for more.
Eyesight Requirements for Military Pilots (By Branch)
All prospective military pilots must undergo a thorough physical and medical exam before flight training. This includes an eye exam for all pilots, including helicopter pilots. Either way, you’ll know if you qualify to be a military pilot even before attending flight training school.
The specific vision requirements vary slightly depending on the branch. So disqualification from one unit doesn’t necessarily mean your military aviation career dreams are over. Below are the vision requirements for all major U.S. Military branches.
Please note that you’ll need to meet the vision requirements for each eye. For example, both eyes must be correctable to 20/20 vision to qualify.
Air Force
The U.S. Air Force has some of the strictest vision requirements of any branch. It makes sense since the Air Force pilots primarily fly fighters and other military aircraft. The specific vision requirements to qualify for Air Force flight training include:
- Normal color vision
- Uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/70 or better
- Uncorrected near visual acuity no worse than 20/30
- Vision correctable to 20/20
As you can see, fighter pilots don’t need perfect vision to qualify. The only caveat is that your vision must be correctable to 20/20. You may correct your vision using eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery.
Finally, you’ll also need to meet additional accommodation, refraction, and astigmatism requirements to pass the eye exam.
Please note that the requirements mentioned above are the bare minimum you need to meet to qualify for flight training. In addition, the Air Force accounts for the fact that your vision might worsen after graduating from a flight school or once you become a full-fledged pilot. So there are a few accommodations.
The vision requirements for active Air Force pilots include:
- Vision doesn’t deteriorate beyond 20/400
- Vision correctable to 20/20
- Maintain normal color vision and depth perception
You may also qualify to be a navigator if you don’t meet the requirements for an Air Force pilot. The navigator’s primary job is to get the pilot to his destination safely. Navigators use maps, radio, radar, and other equipment to guide the pilot.
The visual requirements for U.S. Air Force Navigators include:
- Vision better than 20/200
- Vision correctable to 20/20
Again, you can continue with your job after Navigator Training if your vision doesn’t depreciate below 20/400. The vision must also be correctable to 20/20.
Navy
Similarly, the Navy conducts eye exams for all trainee pilots. Some of the navy pilot vision requirements include:
- A normal depth perception, full field of vision, and color vision
- Uncorrected vision no worse than 20/40
- Deterioration no worse than 20/100 during flight training
- Vision correctable to 20/20
If you don’t meet these requirements, you can use prescription eyeglasses or contacts to correct your vision to 20/20. You’ll also need to carry an extra set of glasses for backup if your uncorrected distant visual acuity is worse than 20/100.
Again, Navy Flight Officers (NFOs) have different vision requirements. NFOs don’t have any vision requirements for flight training besides normal color vision and refraction and anisometropia (not exceeding 3.50 Diopters) limits. However, your vision must be correctable to 20/20 vision.
Marine Corps
The Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy. Therefore, Marine pilots have the exact vision requirements as Navy pilots. The vision requirements for Marine Corps pilots include:
- Normal color vision, intraocular pressure, and depth perception
- Uncorrected distance visual acuity between 20/100 and 20/400 subject to service class
- Corrected near vision acuity at least 20/20
- Corrected distant vision acuity at least 20/20
Additionally, you still qualify to continue on the flight status for your flight class if your vision doesn’t deteriorate further than 20/100 after flight school. However, the vision must be correctable to 20/20. Finally, keep in mind that these requirements apply to each eye.
Lasik Surgery Requirements for Military Pilots
The U.S. Military has liberalized its Lasik surgery requirements for pilots since 2007. Initially, applicants who’d had Lasik eye surgery were automatically disqualified from flight and navigator training. Since this is no longer the case, there are even more opportunities to qualify for flight training despite not having a 20/20 vision.
The main requirement is you pass your vision exam as prescribed in AFI 48-123 Medical Examination and Standards for the respective Military branch. Subsequent studies have shown that Lasik surgery doesn’t negatively affect pilots in stress situations such as high altitude exposure, G-forces, and wind blast experience.
It’s worth noting that Lasik eye surgery isn’t guaranteed to correct vision to the recommended levels. So the results of your eye examinations ultimately decide whether you qualify to be a Military pilot. Either way, a Military reviewer has the final say on whether you pass or fail the physical exam.
Do Drone Pilots Have the Same Vision Requirements?
The U.S. Military also has vision requirements for unmanned aircraft pilots, more popularly known as drone pilots. But, again, it’s hardly a surprise since drone pilots are tasked with targeting missions, surveillance, air reconnaissance, and analyzing aerial photographs.
The vision requirements for drone pilots include:
- Normal color vision
- Must meet astigmatism, accommodation, and refraction requirements
- Uncorrected distance vision not exceeding 20/800
- Distance and near vision correctable to 20/20
Again, corrective Lasik surgery may help you qualify as long as you meet the recommended vision requirements. However, the surgery may also disqualify you, subject to a reviewer’s decision.
Have A Question?
Have a question about becoming a military or Air Force pilot with glasses? Or want to know? Let us know in the comments below.
