Flight‐Deck Vision of Professional Pilots

Alterations to the near visual acuity requirements for professional pilots are recommended, and the reasons for these proposed alterations are discussed. The factors which influence the power and type of lens chosen for flight‐deck use by a presbyopic pilot are presented, particular reference being made to the range of distances over which the main instrument panel should appear clear rather than the single distance usually considered. The possibilities of ophthalmic correction for the overhead panel are briefly examined and are concluded to be less satisfactory than a human factors engineering solution.