Colblindor – Color Blindness Forum

Can someone in the know please tell me when Transport Canada discontinued the Aldis lamp test for pilots who fail the clinical tests for color vision. Maybe provide a link. Thanks, JOE

I am writing a book on the subject. This is what I've found out from Transport Canada.

PLEASE NOTE: I made several e-mail inquiries to Transport Canada over a period of several months as to whether or not the “Aldis lamp test” was still available to aspiring pilots in Canada who fail the clinical color vision tests but who would like to take the practical test as stated above. This was the last reply I received on Feb 2, 2012.

Edward Brook MD MPH BA
Senior Consultant / Expert-conseil principal

Dear Mr. White,
Re. "Does Transport Canada still allow the Aldis Lamp Test at the control Tower for those individuals who fail the clinical tests when applying for a pilot's licence?"

His response.
“In short, no. We have not used the practical test (signal light gun) for over a decade.”

My response.
Many thanks for your reply. The reason I asked the question is because the FAA in the US is very specific about the "practical test" and the "Aldis lamp test" and they are considered two separate categories. I might make a suggestion that TC make changes to their website that would clear up any ambiguity. Something like this; “The color perception practical test with the Aldis lamp from the control tower is no longer acceptable." Thanks again--JOE

Hope this helps.