Functional and true monocularity

Considerations

Functional monocularity exists, by definition, when there is severe impairment of central vision, i.e. one eye cannot see better than 6/60. The visual fields may be preserved.

True monocularity exists when one eye is missing or is non-functional. There is restriction of the visual fields that must be compensated by head movements, thus requiring full cervical spine mobility and full visual fields in the good eye.

Monocular individuals have no stereopsis. Binocular depth perception is effective at near such as when manoeuvring at the airport parking, during formation flying and for low levels helicopter operations. The necessity of good stereopsis for fixed wings aircraft landings is controversial.

Information to be provided

Applicants with monocularity should provide:

Copy of any report relating to the loss of vision in one eye;
A special eye report by an accredited optometrist on the first occasion that an applicant presents with monocularity;
A special report every five years subsequently or as may be required;
A visual field determination result encompassing a test for central vision and a test for the full field of vision, such as the Medmont driving test or Esterman test.

Disposition

An applicant with monocularity does not meet the CAR part 67 medical standards. Thus the issue of a certificate can only occur following the flexibility process.

Class 2

Under the flexibility process, a Class 2 applicant with monocular vision may be issued a certificate in some cases if:

The uncorrected distance visual acuity in the good eye is 6/12 or better; and
The corrected distance visual acuity is 6/9 or better; and
The applicant meets the near visual acuity standard with or without correction;
Visual fields determination demonstrates full central and peripheral visual field in the good eye; and
The applicant has a full range of neck movements; and
At least 6 months have lapsed since the monocularity condition has occurred and the applicant is adapted to the new condition.

Provided that the Medical Certificate:

Is restricted to student privileges until a successful medical flight test has been undertaken with a flight examiner for day and for night operations respectively; and
Is endorsed with the requirement to wear of have readily available correcting lenses as necessary to meet the above conditions; and
Is endorsed with the requirement to have spare spectacles readily available if required to have correcting lenses; and
Is endorsed with the requirements to inform any other pilot of the applicant’s vision deficiency; and
Is endorsed with the requirement to wear protective lenses, goggles or visor as appropriate for the operation undertaken;
The certificate is endorsed with any other operational conditions and restrictions as may be appropriate or as imposed following an AMC.

Class 1

A Class 1 or 3 monocular applicant who first applies for a medical certificate is unlikely to be issued with a medical certificate 1 or 3.

An experienced Class 1 or 3 monocular applicant who re-applies for a medical certificate may be issued a medical certificate in some cases if:

The uncorrected distance visual acuity in the good eye is 6/12 or better; and
The corrected distance visual acuity is 6/6 or better; and
The applicant meets the near visual acuity standard with or without correction; and
Visual fields determination demonstrates full visual field in the good eye; and
The applicant has a full range of neck movement; and
At least 6 months have lapsed since the monocularity condition has occurred and the applicant is adapted to the new condition;
The applicant has substantial flying experience.

Provided that the medical certificate:

Is endorsed with the requirement to wear of have readily available correcting lenses as necessary to meet the above conditions; and
Is endorsed with the requirement to have readily available spare spectacles if required to have correcting lenses; and
Is endorsed with the requirements to inform any other pilot of the applicant’s vision deficiency; and
Is restricted to student privileges by day and by night respectively until a successful medical flight test, has been undertaken with a flight examiner for each type of operation;
Is endorsed with the requirement to wear protective lenses, goggles or visor as appropriate for the operation undertaken;
The certificate is endorsed with any other operational conditions or restrictions as may be appropriate, or as dictated by the AMC.

Class 3

A Class 3 monocular applicant who first applies for a medical certificate is unlikely to be issued with a medical certificate Class 3.

An experienced Class 3 monocular applicant who re-applies for a medical certificate may possibly be issued a medical certificate if:

The uncorrected distance visual acuity in the good eye is 6/12 or better; and
The corrected distance visual acuity is 6/6 or better; and
The applicant meets the near visual acuity standard with or without correction; and
Visual fields determination demonstrates full central and peripheral visual field in the good eye, and
The applicant has a full range of neck movement; and
At least 6 months have lapsed since the monocularity condition has occurred and the applicant is adapted to the new condition;
A functional assessment has demonstrated that the applicant’s condition is unlikely to affect flight safety.

Provided that the medical certificate:

Is endorsed with the requirement to wear of have readily available correcting lenses as necessary to meet the above conditions; and
Is endorsed with the requirement to have readily available spare spectacles if required to have correcting lenses; and
The certificate is endorsed with any other operational conditions or restrictions as may be appropriate or as dictated by the AMC.