VISION

Action

The European Commission published the amended Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-24 on 31 March 2023. The overall driver of Cluster 5 – “Climate, Energy and Mobility” is to accelerate the green and digital transition, and the associated transformation of the economy, industry and society to achieve climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. 

This cluster contains seven research actions, which have been delegated to EASA as contracting authority. This project addresses the following action: Colour vision requirements in the new full glass cockpit environment and modern ATCO consoles.

Expected outcome

The project shall assess the suitability of current colour vision requirements for pilots and ATCOs in modern working environments and provide scientifically based evidence that will support decision-making regarding regulatory needs for colour vision assessment.

The expected outcome of the project is to provide an updated assessment of the colour vision needs for pilots and ATCOs in modern working environments. This scientifically based assessment of colour vision needs should be the basis of an evidence-based assessment of suitable diagnostic options that could distinguish the colour safe applicants from colour unsafe ones. By providing this evidence, the project will support decision-making with regards to regulatory needs pertaining to colour vision assessment for pilots and ATCOs.

Ultimately, the project aims to ensure that the colour vision requirements for pilots and ATCOs are appropriate for modern working environments and that they are based on the latest scientific evidence. This will help to enhance safety and efficiency in air travel, by ensuring that pilots and ATCOs have the necessary colour vision abilities to perform their duties effectively.

The project will support decision-making with regards to regulatory needs pertaining to colour vision assessment for pilots and ATCOs and help to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel.
 

Required output

The project aims to assess the suitability of current colour vision requirements for pilots and ATCOs in modern working environments and will deliver two key outputs based on testing and measurements in the working environment:

1. Assessment of the colour vision performances required to safely perform pilot and ATCO professional duties: the project will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the colour vision requirements needs for pilots and ATCOs in modern working environments. This assessment will consider the latest advancements in aviation technology, including full glass cockpit and ATM consoles. The assessment will identify the specific colour vision performances that are required for pilots and ATCOs to safely perform their professional duties.
2. Identification of suitable testing methods and thresholds for the pilots and ATCOs: The project will also identify suitable testing methods and thresholds based on the previous described for the colour vision assessment of pilots and ATCOs. This will involve evaluating the effectiveness of existing testing methods and thresholds and identifying any potential changes that may be required to ensure that they are suitable for modern working environments.

Through these outputs, the project will help to ensure that the colour vision assessment of pilots and ATCOs is based on the latest scientific evidence and that it is effective in identifying individuals who may have colour vision deficiencies that could negatively impact their professional duties.