Is it possible for someone who wears glasses to become a pilot, even if they are not a candidate for either Lasik or PRK?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:16:23 -0400

Hello all,
I am currently considering putting my packet together for Aviation Warrant Officer; I've wanted to fly since I was a child. However, not only do I wear glasses, I'm not a candidate for either Lasik or PRK. Would anyone happen to know if being a pilot is even possible for someone who wears glasses, or should I just bide me time until I'm eligible to submit a packet in my current CMF? Should I just schedule a Flight physical and see what their determination is?

Response by PO3 Christian Brielmaier made Mar 24 at 2019 7:18 PM

PO3 Christian Brielmaier — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:18:30 -0400

You’ll never know if you don’t try. Flight phys won’t cost you anything and they have done great eye docs... you might get some good news..

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2019 7:27 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:27:04 -0400

It’s absolutely possible, as long as your vision is 20/50 and correctable. I wear glasses.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2019 7:28 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:28:26 -0400

Make them tell you no. Get a flight physical done. If you're out of standards, see if you can get a waiver. If all else fails, talk to an optometrist. Maybe they know another way. I have glasses and I'm in the flight program.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2019 7:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:45:42 -0400

Best advise, like others have given you, let the board say no. The board is the only authority than can pass you or deny you. If you don't put your packet it, you'll never know. Get your physical done, score high on the SIFT.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 24 at 2019 10:18 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 22:18:30 -0400

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Mar 24 at 2019 11:01 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 23:01:21 -0400

I.can elaborate on this if you'd want, as to my rationale, however, is most definitely suggest trying for navigator, NFO, or WSO, rather than doing the surgery, at least.first, just to see if you can get one of those, whether Army uses navs or WSOs, I don't know, however, is certainly most definitely ask, by all means, as is sakd, if you'd want more rationale, I'd be glad to give it, no rusn, whenever you might care to chat, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Mar 24 at 2019 11:03 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 23:03:06 -0400

And are you associated level?.bachelors?.what major, grades,.GPA, STEM coursework, the more you can elaborate, the more I and ithers.might be able.to suggest, honest, OK?

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2019 11:50 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 23:50:34 -0400

I don't know, but I'd suggest you look into being a navy nfo or air force scizo. Co pilot basically. They have some added leniency, and a good shot of landing a seat in a fighter. Not a bad gig if you qualify if the army doesn't work out.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2019 11:57 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:57:41 -0400

The longer you wait, the longer you’ll regret waiting. If it’s a career move you are certain you want to make, start the process immediately. If you never try yourself, the answer will always be “no”. I have plenty of friends here who wear glasses and are not LASIK/PRK eligible. Best of luck SSG!

Response by SSG Phil Miller made May 15 at 2019 12:38 AM

SSG Phil Miller — Wed, 15 May 2019 00:38:53 -0400

As long as the glasses look good on you. The Army is very particular about its pilots looking good.