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Shaky 20/40

USF_Bull

New Member
By "designated individuals" the waiver guide refers to those who are categorized as SG1/SG2/SG3. It doesn't mean that once you are commissioned as something other than aviation you can apply for a waiver for visual acuity between 20/40 and 20/100 to be an SNA. You cannot be designated as an SNA without 20/40 vision or better. Once you get the blessing though, the standard is a little more lax (you can slip down to 20/100). You'll qualify for SNFO with below 20/40, but a waiver won't be granted for SNA. I hope that clears it up.

I just want to confirm that what is written here is true. I tested 20/40 while in ROTC putting in my pilot package. I was picked up for SNA, but spent the next year and a half after my physical worrying about my right eye falling below 20/40. I was convinced that I would get to P'cola and get switched over to NFO because my right eye would be in the 20/50 range. I did everything humanly possible in the week leading up to the physical...hydrated like crazy, stayed outdoors all day focusing on things far away, sleeping 12 hours each night, vitamins, etc. Even worked up a scheme to send my roommates into the doc before me to try and get a few of the letters memorized on the eye chart for me (this is impossible and not even worth it..you'll realize why when you get there). Anyways, I ended up passing 20/40 again. But while getting my prescription for the glasses I asked the doc what would of happened had I been 20/50. He told me that because I was already designated as SNA, my eye sight could deteriorate to as much as 20/100 while in flight school with no risk of losing my designation.

So, long story short...if you pass 20/40 while applying and get selected for SNA, then you're good. Don't stress...you will have to wear glasses when you fly, but you'll be eligible for PRK and now even Lasik once you wing.
 

nugget61

Active Member
pilot
So, long story short...if you pass 20/40 while applying and get selected for SNA, then you're good. Don't stress...you will have to wear glasses when you fly, but you'll be eligible for PRK and now even Lasik once you wing.
Can anyone confirm this? I thought you can deteriorate after your first flight physical only? (Or is his case special due to ROTC?)
 

Park

New Member
Well, visited MEPS today and tested 20/50 and 20/70 uncorrected. Pretty pissed about that as I have been practicing like crazy on charts in the hopes I could read that 20/40 line. So I guess its laser surgery time, or scrap this app and apply to the Air Force.

Does anybody know anything about the current or possible future in lasik regulations. I am pretty sure that PRK is the only pre-application surgery available, but I want to reconfirm that as I would much rather get lasik.

Thanks to everybody here for contributing knowledge, hopefully I can contribute in the future.
 
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