i didn't know where to put this, but since it concerns the politics of the nation, here it is. I just dey shake my head when i read it. seems that our politicians don't even care for the safety of nigerians anymore. i wonder what nigerian politicians are turning into.

Minister under pressure to license pilot with eye problem
Kunle Oderemi, Lagos - 14.12.2009

THE Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, is under pressure from some politicians to clear a pilot with an eye problem to operate in the aviation sector.


The matter has pitched him with those regarded as “big politicians,” as he had vowed to stand by the rules and regulations concerning certification of pilots in the industry.


The minister said he was prepared to resign from his position rather than compromising globally accepted standards in the sector. According to the minister, who confirmed the development at the weekend in Lagos, “a lot of people have been bombarding me with telephone calls, asking me to reverse myself by giving the pilot a clean bill of health.”


Omotoba said no amount of pressure or antics of political godfathers could make him to do their wish, because the government was not prepared to toy with lives of air passengers.


He disclosed that President Umaru Yar’Adua had given him the task of finding a lasting solution to air crashes, hence his primary objective was to ensure a zero-air crash in the country.


He said the said pilot had travelled to the United States, where he obtained a report claiming his fitness to operate in Nigeria’s air space. Omotola said he was not convinced by the document, therefore, he was not ready to bend the rules of the industry to please anyone.

source - http://www.tribune.com.ng/14122009/news/news9.html.

his decision should depend on the nature of the eye problem.

he can also have the pilot see a specialist of his choosing.

I dont blame those calling for the Blind pilot to be licensed, Afterall, I have seen a blind man with a drivers license before.

^^where does it say the pilot is blind?

US Aerospace Medical Dispositions

1. First- and Second-class: If an applicant exceeds the heterophoria standards (1 prism diopter of hyperphoria, 6 prism diopters of esophoria, or 6 prism diopters of exophoria), but shows no evidence of diplopia or serious eye pathology and all other aspects of the examination are favorable, the AME should not withhold or deny the medical certificate. The applicant should be advised that the FAA may require further examination by a qualified eye specialist.
2.Third-class: Applicants for a third-class certificate are not required to undergo heterophoria testing. However, if an applicant has strabismus or a history of diplopia, the AME should defer issuance of a certificate and forward the application to the AMCD. If the applicant wishes further consideration, the AME can help expedite FAA review by providing the applicant with a copy of FAA Form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation.


http://flightphysical.com/Exam-Guide/Eye/Vision-Heterophoria-54.htm

The minister should check the Nigerian guidelines and parameters for this type of situation.

granted Nigeria's flight situation isnt what it should be but most crashes havent been because the pilot had eye problem, to the best of my knowledge.

of course i could be wrong but i dont think the minister should dismiss the man offhand just like that.