Do You Need 20/20 Vision To Be A Commercial Pilot?

Paragon Flight’s P3 Professional Pilot Program provides a fast-tracked course to success as a professional pilot based upon high program standards and expectations of participants. Let’s review the qualifications for becoming a program applicant, including whether you need 20/20 vision, a college degree, or an established foundation in aviation.

Introducing the P3 – Professional Pilot Program

Do You Need 20/20 Vision To Be A Commercial Pilot?First, let’s discuss the Program itself. The Program prioritizes quality training, a streamlined financial assistance process, and leadership development of aspiring pilots. This accelerated, intense Program of training makes it possible to go from zero existing experience to operating as a commercial pilot with flight instructor credentials in 38 weeks.

  • 0-10 WEEKS, Private Pilot License (PPL) – develop a strong foundation of good habits and best practices for all flight training.
  • 18 WEEKS, Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) – learn how to utilize navigation and communication aircraft systems for professional pilot endeavors.
  • 30 WEEKS, Commercial License, Single-Engine & Multi-Engine (CSEL & CMEL) – establish professional-level skill in the cockpit and mastery of aircraft systems of single-engine and multi-engine planes.
  • 38 WEEKS, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – master the art and science of teaching others how to fly.

By the end of the P3 Program, pilots will be able to work commercially, and one of those opportunities will be as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Considering the 1,500 flight hours required of airline pilot applicants, this entry level position can be a huge benefit during aviation education. As flight instructor, pilots can share their passion, log flight hours for future roles as a pilot, and make a living from the cockpit.

As you can see, this accelerated timeline will require participants to be fully committed and able, so we have high prerequisites that program applicants should have.

Prerequisites of the P3 – Professional Pilot Program:

  • Minimum of 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED (preferred college experience)
  • One professional character reference
  • One personal character reference
  • Good Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
  • Clear criminal background check
  • Passed behavioral and cognitive evaluation
  • Good record with the FAA (free of any incidents, accidents, or enforcement actions)
  • FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate
  • Fluent and literate in the English language
  • Full-time availability to accommodate 4-5 practical lessons and 10-20 hours of ground training each week
  • Strong drive, work ethic, and moral character

The vast majority of these qualifications are crystal clear, but what is involved with earning an FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate?

While commercial pilots technically only need a second-class certificate, we recognize that pilots who participate in the P3 Program are ambitious and plan to progress in their careers, so we require a first-class certificate from the beginning.

The exam itself will include an evaluation of the following:

  • Eyesight – near, intermediate, far, peripheral, and color vision. Pilots must have 20/20 vision, with or without corrective lenses.
  • Hearing – able to understand conversational level voices from a 6’ distance
  • Urinalysis – check for signals of kidney disease or diabetes
  • Ear, nose, and throat – demonstrate no issues with equilibrium or ability to communicate
  • Cardiovascular system – reveals heart health and no history of certain cardiovascular illnesses
  • Mental and neurological systems – entire history documenting any history of substance abuse, epilepsy, or mental conditions that make operating a plane potentially unsafe
  • Physical exam – a complete workup and history to evaluate appropriate fitness for serving as a pilot.

Do you have 20/20 vision, a high school diploma or equivalent, and an aspiration to be a commercial pilot? Come to Paragon Flight, where our P3 Program can help you meet your goals in fewer than ten months.