No, Pilots aren’t allowed to wear polarized sunglasses because it’s dangerous. The display units in the cockpit consists of LCD screens, which doesn’t play well with polarized glasses.
Screens in the cockpit comes with polarized filters, which tends to produce dark lines within the screen upon contact with the polarized lens of the sunglass. The last thing you would want is for human eyes to go blurry.
What Sunglasses Can Pilots Wear?
Pilots can choose to wear sunglasses of any style but there’s a catch to it. Every pilot has to get sunglasses that meet the specified guidelines of the CAAFAA (Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Aviation Administration).
- The lens of the sunglass shouldn’t be polarized.
- The lens must come with a 99-100% UVB and UVA protection.
- Material of the lens should be of a reputable and high quality. We advise you to use CR-39 plastic lenses, glass, or polycarbonate lenses.
- There should be less color distortion and neutral tint in the sunglass. We would recommend using grey-colored glasses since they have minimal distortion when it comes to coloration.
- The light absorption of your lens shouldn’t exceed 85%.
- Maximum coverage should be present in your glasses. Small lenses are extremely vulnerable to UV Rays, so it’s crucial to go for the ones with more coverage.
- It is vital for your glasses to be absent of photochromic or transition lenses.
- Pilots can wear the gradient lenses, but its top should be more tinted. The bottom area should have less tint.
- When it comes to the frame style, there are no restrictions. However, it shouldn’t cause any hindrance to any equipment and headsets.
- Lastly, the golden rule is that the sunglass should be comfortable in all aspects.
Why Do Pilots Wear Non Polarized Sunglasses
The device screens and windscreens of an airplane have anti-glare features. As a result, polarized sunglasses can interfere with the pilots’ vision, causing them to see rainbow swirls, distorted images, and black squares. Hence, pilots wear non polarized sunglasses.
Non Polarized Sunglasses for Pilots?
We have curated a list of some useful non-polarized sunglasses that are useful in high altitudes for you. They are as follows:
Bigatmo Tropo Aviator Sunglasses – This brand stands out a lot because of its superiority in the design and comfort field. Did you know that a ton of pilots are using these glasses all around the world?
This English company prioritizes its bond with the aviation company like no other. What makes these sunglasses great is how comfortable it is even with your headset on.
- It comes with a polished titanium frame. You will see how it fares much better compared to plastic frames.
- The lens is unmarried and photochromic by nature.
- Nose pads consists of comfortable silicone material.
- Its bayonet temples are quite robust and lightweight.
Serengeti Velocity Sunglasses – These has to be one of Serengeti’s best-selling items. You can use it for not only aviation purposes but for driving as well.
- It comes with gradient lenses that helps in offering optimal view even under a multitude of different lighting conditions. These glasses help pilots to easily read the instruments inside the cockpit.
- It comes with a titanium frame.
- These glasses are photochromic in nature.
- The temple measures up to 130mm and comes with proper spring hinges.
- You will be comfortable wearing it, all thanks to its silicon gel type of nose pads.
Best Non Polarized Sunglasses for Pilots
Now, let’s dive into the best non-polarized sunglasses for pilots that are up for grabs in the market:
Ray-Ban Aviator RB3025 Classic Sunglasses – We can’t even begin to say how iconic these pieces are. A-List celebrities such as Tom Cruise in Top Gun and Marlon Brando are responsible for making these glasses popular.
Many brands have proceeded in emulating its design ever since its release. Don’t be surprised if you see these glasses in every corner of the market.
The fact that it’s non-polarized makes it a suitable wear while flying, helping better detect light waves or during hectic traffic situations.
- It comes in an array of sizes and colors.
- These glasses cater to both genders.
- You will be happy to know that it has metal frames.
- Expect 100% UV protection at all times.
- Visibility of instruments.
Ray-Ban Cockpit Aviator Sunglasses – The name of the glasses says just what it’s about. It is an upgraded version of the aviator design.
This modern eyewear caters to both male and female pilots. It is slightly smaller with a minimal teardrop shape, making it an ideal pick for users who aren’t a fan of the classic aviator model.
- You have access to multiple color choices.
- The lens is updated.
- It comes with a metal frame.
- This model comes with varying options for treating UV radiation.
Can Pilots Wear Mirrored Sunglasses?
It isn’t recommended since they lead to color distortion, reducing glare and glint that can come in handy while trying to spot another aircraft or aircraft’s wing.
Mirrored sunglasses will also cause trouble because the pilot will have a hard time identifying instruments possessing anti-flare filters inside the aircraft.
You also wouldn’t want them when you have to pay attention to navigation such as blue light.
Best Sunglasses for Pilots
Here’s a list of some of the best sunglasses for pilots:
Randolph Aviator 23K Gold – These glasses possess a quality frame finishing of 23K Gold. You will be happy to hear that these glasses meet the required military standards like the Randolph Aviator.
Did you know that it takes over 200 steps to handcraft every pair of this magnificent baby? The bayonet temple design of this classy glass provides maximum comfort while using headset.
The frame of these glasses is quite solid and thick, giving you that sophisticated look. What we love most about these glasses has to be their attentive detailing.
Highlights
- It features a brownish/tan type of gradient lens that make it fit even for cloudy days.
- Pilots will benefit from its non-polarized nature.
- A well-rounded 100% UVB and UVA protection.
- You can expect a lifetime warranty deal.
- Both commercial pilot and fighter pilots can rock their look wearing this glass.
Intruder – This stunning piece garners its name from the infamous A-6 Intruder, which is an all-weather type of attack aircraft running on twin-engine. It features a big square shape, giving you that bold look.
The lens has a neutral grey tint that makes it a fit for pilots, especially the military ones. They will have no issue flying on all terrain and light conditions or identifying shiny surfaces, reflective surfaces, and vertical light without eye strain.
Highlights
- You can pick from four different choices.
- It is non-Polarized and offers proper UVA and UVB protection.
- You will have all-round comfort, all thanks to its classy skull temples.
- The durable finishing of the frame is a plus point.
American Optical (AO) Original Pilot – AO is one of the oldest brands when it comes to creating aviation glasses. Its relations with the armed forces date back more than 5 decades ago.
So, what makes them stand out in the aviation industry? Well, because it’s easily comparable to the Randolph Aviators in terms of its style, quality, and comfort.
Highlights
- It possesses a metal frame instead of a gold frame.
- The glass of the lens is non-polarized.
- Its nose pads tend to self-adjust itself.
- These glasses come in grey color, along with bayonet temples.
- You will receive a stunning lifetime warranty.
Prescription Sunglasses for Pilots
With prescription sunglasses, our list consists of:
Ascent Aviator FLT24 Prescription Sunglasses RX – Method Seven has done a spectacular job with this piece, especially with its RX Lens. This modernized polymer lens features a notch filter, offering proper contrast and better clarity.
The lens technology in this custom crafted piece easily meets all your progressive, Bifocal or corrective lenses, and Single Vision prescriptions. The frame is constructed using titanium alloy, which easily conforms to any headgear on air.
Features
- It provides complete infrared heat and UV protection.
- These gray lenses are shatterproof and lightweight.
- These RX Lenses comes with a VLT of over 24%, making it the perfect pick for prescription-related eyewear.
Randolph Engineering Aviator – Now, this product offers above moderate coverage to the user. It has a bayonet temple that appears as if it’s the eyewear of military pilots.
You will have improved vision with this glass as it decreases the reflective light, which bounces off your lens. One great thing about this fit would be its prescription-friendly nature.
Features
- The glass comes with nose pads that are perfectly adjustable.
- You will receive proper glare protection.
- Improved optical alignment is present.
- The level of comfort and wearability is off the charts.
FAQ relating to can pilots wear polarized sunglasses
Why Do Pilots Not Wear Polarized Sunglasses?
It’s because these lenses reduce the pilot’s vision in reading instruments inside the cockpit. Plus, these instruments already possess anti-glare filters.
What Kind of Sunglasses Should a Pilot Wear?
Pilots should wear non-polarized sunglasses. They can opt for the aviator sunglasses that comes in shapes such as “Square” and “Teardrop.”
They will have an easier time controlling all the instrument panels at the flight deck. We would suggest ray bans or sunglasses with neutral color.
Who Can’t Wear Polarized Sunglasses?
It is advised that Pilots avoid using polarized sunglasses. Upon using them, there’s a high risk for flight-related accidents.
Do Pilots Have Special Sunglasses?
No, pilots don’t have a special type of sunglass that they use. There are folks who would enjoy wearing green lenses or lenses with green tint.
While there’s nothing wrong with, it’s a better option and a dang good reason to go for gray tinted ones as they have lesser color distortion.
