Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation - What could be done if I have to think about becoming a pilot now?

Firstly, I want to congratulate you for running a wonderful flying website and with such absolute passion!

I was steered to fly since the age of 3 but underwent a devastation at 17 when told that I was color blind! Worst of all, I had no problem with red or green! To the best of my knowledge, my color blindness were in some faint colors like light blue or gray, that both looked the same under dusking light conditions!

Ever since, I have had to earn a living out of doing odd jobs and now I am 36! My mind never opened up to anything apart from flying! It was amazing how my brain would just light up to anything concerning flying!

Although my interest in learning is now dead, and so is my desire to fly (I still spill a tear drop whenever the plane I am flying, takes off!), I would like to know what could be done if I have to think about becoming a pilot now?

Many thanks and congratulations once again. You are doing what you were born to do!

Glen Reuben

Hi Glen,

It is quite moving to know that there are some people who are unable to realize their dreams out there. I know it must be quite devastating to find out that you are color blind and prevented from becoming a pilot from circumstances that are beyond your control. I have written about color blindness in a previous FAQ.

At the risk of being wrong, I believe there are some mild cases of color blindness that may be treatable. You probably may not get a Class I Medical Certificate to enable you to fly in commercial airlines. I think a Class II medical may get you to fly with a PPL (Private Pilot License).
Consult an eye specialist again or an aero medical surgeon for a review of your status since you have no problems with red and green colors. I know of some pilots with PPL who have worked their way up to CPL (Commercial Pilot License) eventually.