Ask Captain Lim

Hello Capt Lim,

I was looking for a site related to flying in Singapore and was happy to find your informative site.

I am due for my initial cadet pilot interview on 8th December 2003 and would have to undergo an eye test first. These are the Ishihara and Snellen's Chart tests. However, as both my eyes are shortsighted (about 350 degrees) and my astigmatism is around 125 degrees, correctable to 6/6 with glasses, I am not sure if I will be able to qualify as a pilot.

Without my glasses, I am not able to see any letters in the Snellen's Chart unless I am very close to it. I would like to find out if there are pilots out there with astigmatism and whether it would affect my chance of becoming a pilot. Thank you. Warmest regards,

Kelvin Seet.

Hi Kelvin,
The visual acuity requirement for cadet pilots in SIA is that it must be at least 6/60 without optical aids, correctable to 6/6. There is no mention about astigmatism and I believe it is up to the prerogative of the doctor to decide in certain cases.

Please refer to the rationale I mentioned to another pilot aspirant in a previous question on this issue. I think some pilots do have a certain degree of astigmatism because I have it and I wear reading glasses too.  If you want to be sure about whether you would qualify, seek the opinion of a eye specialist before you apply for the flying job.