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Having an astigmatism may not be as big a hurdle as you imagine. I had poor eyesight and astigmatism, had laser eye surgery, and now have better than 20-20 vision. The U.S. military now offers laser eye surgery as part of their medical benefits. It is possible that perfect natural eyesight is still a requirement, but as technology improves, that may soon change. Many of the requirements to be a pilot also are required to be part of a flight crew.

Some factors that are considered:

1. Your psychiatric profile. They are going to look at things like whether you have a fear of heights, enclosed places, flying in the dark, etc. They will also look at things like how quick to anger you are.

2. Your height and weight. There are restrictions on both because you must fall within certain height and weight criteria simply to fit into a cockpit and operate the controls.

3. Other medical conditions. If you have a history of high blood pressure, epilepsy, narcolepsy, etc., they will rule you out. If you take certain medications they will rule you out. (Think of 'Do not operate machinery while taking this medication').

4. Your education is critical. You will not only be required to have a college degree, but you will have to pass a whole battery of logic, critical thinking, and cognitive functioning tests.

So whether you want to be a pilot or a flight crew member, here's what you need to do.

1. Get good grades, both in high school and college. Don't just pass, excel!

2. Get into great physical condition, and stay that way. Take care of your health.

3. Find ways to challenge your mind with puzzles and logical thinking.

4. Save money and get the laser eye surgery as soon as your eyes are stable and the doctors say you are ready. If you wait until you are already in the military, you will likely have to wait a year or two before you can even apply to tech school after the surgery.

5. If you can afford it, get private flying lessons to give you a headstart.

6. Join the military, and apply!

Learn more about this author, Todd Eastman.
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