FAA's Rabin Cone Test

For pilots, clear and accurate vision is essential - especially when it comes to distinguishing colors used in cockpit displays, signal lights, and navigation aids. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently made a major update to its vision screening standards, requiring some pilots to undergo computerized color vision testing, including the Rabin Cone Test.
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FAA’s New Policy on Color Vision Testing

As of January 1, 2025, the FAA has replaced traditional Ishihara plate tests and other older screening methods with digital, randomized exams. These computer-based tests, like the Rabin Cone Contrast Test, provide more accurate and standardized results while reducing the risk of memorization.

Here’s what it means:

• Renewing and new pilot applicants must pass one of the approved computerized color vision exams during their medical certification. If they pass, they won’t need to repeat the test for future renewals.

• Existing pilots who already hold unrestricted medical certificates will not need to retest. They are essentially “grandfathered in” under the updated rules.

• Pilots with restrictions (such as “daylight only”) may still be limited unless they pass one of the new computerized tests to remove that restriction.
  
  

The FAA emphasizes that color vision deficiency is a stable, inherited condition - so once proven, no retesting is required for renewals.

The Three Approved Computerized Color Vision Tests

Under the new guidelines, Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) are only allowed to use three specific computerized test systems for pilot evaluations. Older methods, web-based apps, or non-approved printouts are no longer acceptable.

The FAA-approved tests are:

• Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT): Originally designed for the U.S. military, the RCCT tests each eye’s cone cell response to red, green, and blue stimuli. A score of 75 or higher in each color channel is required to pass. This is the test most commonly associated with FAA’s updated rules.

• Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test (CCVT): A modern option that runs on Windows, iPad, or Android. It uses digital plates and other visual tasks to detect red-green and blue-yellow deficiencies.

• City Occupational Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD): Developed by City University in London, the CAD test measures red-green and blue-yellow discrimination under aviation-specific standards. It is highly accurate but requires specialized hardware/software, making it one of the most expensive options.
  
  

All three must be administered according to manufacturer guidelines, and results must be recorded in the pilot’s official medical exam form (FAA Form 8500-8).

The Rabin Cone Contrast Test

Unlike the Ishihara plates, which simply show colored numbers in dot patterns, the RCCT evaluates the function of all three cone types (red, green, and blue). This makes it a more comprehensive and reliable assessment of color vision.

Applicants view a series of digital images on a computer or tablet, where colors and contrasts vary randomly. This ensures accurate testing and removes the chance of memorizing answers. For those aiming to fly professionally, passing the RCCT or another approved computerized test is now a required step.

Color Vision Correction

At The Houston Dry Eye Clinic, we also offer Color Vision Correction contact lenses. While not an FAA-approved substitute for the Rabin Cone Test, these specialized lenses can help individuals with color blindness see a broader spectrum of colors. By filtering specific wavelengths of light, the lenses make it possible to perceive shades that might otherwise appear identical. This means that while someone with uncorrected color deficiencies would fail the FAA test, wearing color vision correction lenses could help them distinguish colors they could not ordinarily discriminate.

Discover Your Options for Clearer Color Vision

The FAA’s updated color vision standards mark a significant shift in aviation medical certification, ensuring greater accuracy and fairness for new pilots. With the Rabin Cone Test, aviators can demonstrate their color vision ability once and move forward with confidence. And for those living with color vision deficiency, Color Vision Correction lenses open new possibilities for those who want to experience richer, more vivid color perception.

At The Houston Dry Eye Clinic, we stay current with the latest vision technology to help you see your world more clearly. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the Rabin Cone Test and Color Vision Correction lenses