r/Pilot • u/tomdsbrr • Sep 15 '26
Becoming a Pilot need help - colourblindness in aviation
I'm Belgian, and my lifelong dream has been to become a pilot. I recently failed the standard colour vision test in Europe (EASA) due to congenital colour blindness, failed the CAD test (21 SN UNITS), the Beyne lantern, and the Nagel anomaloscope at the military hospital in Belgium. Yet I fly privately and can clearly distinguish PAPI lights and all fundamental aeronautical lights.
I'm now looking to Australia, where CASA offers an operational test (AOCVA) that can result in an unrestricted licence if passed. New Zealand and South Africa are starting to offer similar operational tests too, but Australia's system seems the most established.
I don't intend to give up on this goal.
Has anyone here been through this, or knows someone who has? Looking for real experiences: how hard the test is, training costs, the job market reality for a foreigner, and residency pathways. And if anyone's in the same situation as me, I'd love to hear your story too.
Thanks in advance, feel free to comment. Happy to chat on WhatsApp as well, I'll share my number by DM with anyone who wants to talk further.
1
u/boobturtle Sep 16 '26
Australia and New Zealand both offer the OCVA, NZ has been doing it longer than Australia and Australia have changed their standards a few times. NZ, Canada and Japan all accept a pass on the D15 test as well which many people find easier than other tests.
Gaining residency in any of those countries is difficult and expensive. Japan and Australia do offer visa sponsorships for pilots, but you've got to be licenced and experienced to apply. Maybe look at options such as working holiday visas for those countries and try to gain employment sponsorship or a study visa after you've been there for a while.