The best pilot sunglasses
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I feel stupid asking this but... I have a pair of Serengeti Velocity sunnies and for a reason that escapes me I unscrewed one of the tiny screws that holds the arm to the rest of them.
Now I can't get it back in! I tried for about 30 minutes before throwing them in the draw, 6 months later I had another go with no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? I will just take them somewhere to get them repaired but I just thought I would mention it here.
Now I can't get it back in! I tried for about 30 minutes before throwing them in the draw, 6 months later I had another go with no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? I will just take them somewhere to get them repaired but I just thought I would mention it here.
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2 year ago I purchased a pair of Serengeti Velocity 6935 with Drivers lenses. They are by far the best SG to use in EFIS equipped aircraft in all kind of weather. I wear them all the way down in LVO and they are magic in revealing the first runway contours and approach lightning. I'm confident they can be the difference between c.o.n.t.a.c.t. and Go-Around! The lenses are scratch-resistant and survive 1,5 year daily use. Best value for money.
I've posted the following several times - reposted for your interest:
I have a pair of Varilux type prescription specs which I had made with a graduated neutral tint of 75% reduction (#2) from about the top third rapidly graduating to fully clear on the med/short range portion and they work very well. The tint seems at first not to block much light but for traffic detection it should not be any denser. I've just checked them and a pair of company issue RayBans with my camera exposure meter and they both give a 2 stop reduction; I think that's 75%
The following is an interesting article which I have in a flight safety magazine but cannot find on the web:
Pilots' sunglasses: mystique or mandate? By: Dully FE, Jr.
Formerly Field Associate Professor of Aviation Safety, Institute of Safety & Systems management, University of Southern California.
The salient points are as follows: (Mr Dully's views, not mine)
1. Use glass or polycarbonate; not soft plastic which does not block UV.
2. For traffic/target detection: no darker than number 2 which blocks 70% of light; i.e. transmits 30%.
3. Wearing Brown #2 a 20/20 (UK 6/6) remains almost 20/20. Looking for traffic, the pilot should remove them. A US Naval report found that tinted visor wearers were at a 1.8nm disadvantage in target acquisition!
4. Green or grey are said to give the least colour distortion.
Brown will enhance contrast and block some blue.
Yellow #1 (i.e. colour filters, not sunglasses) can enhance visibility in low level poor vis caused by smog.
5. As soon a light levels/glare, drops remove sunglasses.
6. Photochromatic lenses are not suitable for aviation use nor are polarisers.
I have a pair of Varilux type prescription specs which I had made with a graduated neutral tint of 75% reduction (#2) from about the top third rapidly graduating to fully clear on the med/short range portion and they work very well. The tint seems at first not to block much light but for traffic detection it should not be any denser. I've just checked them and a pair of company issue RayBans with my camera exposure meter and they both give a 2 stop reduction; I think that's 75%
The following is an interesting article which I have in a flight safety magazine but cannot find on the web:
Pilots' sunglasses: mystique or mandate? By: Dully FE, Jr.
Formerly Field Associate Professor of Aviation Safety, Institute of Safety & Systems management, University of Southern California.
The salient points are as follows: (Mr Dully's views, not mine)
1. Use glass or polycarbonate; not soft plastic which does not block UV.
2. For traffic/target detection: no darker than number 2 which blocks 70% of light; i.e. transmits 30%.
3. Wearing Brown #2 a 20/20 (UK 6/6) remains almost 20/20. Looking for traffic, the pilot should remove them. A US Naval report found that tinted visor wearers were at a 1.8nm disadvantage in target acquisition!
4. Green or grey are said to give the least colour distortion.
Brown will enhance contrast and block some blue.
Yellow #1 (i.e. colour filters, not sunglasses) can enhance visibility in low level poor vis caused by smog.
5. As soon a light levels/glare, drops remove sunglasses.
6. Photochromatic lenses are not suitable for aviation use nor are polarisers.
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Best Sunglasses for pilots
I am aware that there a few topics regarding this matter but they are a bit outdated in my opinion. I would thus like to start a new topic.
Can someone please kindly recommend me which brands provide the best sunglasses for aviators. I have heard that Serengeti and Ray Bans are the best two. But since I will be spending a lot of money on a pair I want to get the best. So can someone please recommend me one! thanks!!
Can someone please kindly recommend me which brands provide the best sunglasses for aviators. I have heard that Serengeti and Ray Bans are the best two. But since I will be spending a lot of money on a pair I want to get the best. So can someone please recommend me one! thanks!!
Está servira para distraerle.
This should shed light on the matter.
Sunglasses for Pilots
There are many types of sunglasses available, but no single type is ideal for every pilot. Needs change based on age, light sensitivity, ambient lighting conditions and type of flying. Some sunglasses are not right for any pilot at any time. Valid reasons for wearing sunglasses in the aviation environment include improved night vision adaptation, enhanced contrast in the visual field, reduced glare, decreased UV exposure and avoidance of eye fatigue. Though style and appearance may be a consideration, the safety conscious pilot should focus on the proper selection of lens features rather than frame styles with cheap lenses.
Visual acuity varies with the light available and the sensitivity of an individual to various degrees of brightness. The pupil controls the amount of light reaching the retina. Older individual's eyes do not transmit as much light through the eye as younger people do. Therefore, many older individuals need more light for optimum acuity. They may want to use sunglasses that transmit more light. On high glare days, such as over snow or sand, the pupils contract to protect the eye from the glare. Sunglasses will reduce glare and allow the pupil to let more light on to the retina, thus enhancing vision.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Glare
Glare can also be caused by indirect blue wavelength light and UV light. UV light increases by 4% for every 1,000 feet of altitude and contributes to the blue colour of the sky. Some researchers feel this can cause a haziness on the retina decreasing visual acuity even when indirectly viewed. Fortunately, most windscreens eliminate much of this wavelength. Near sunrise and sunset, the atmosphere filters out this wavelength giving the sky its characteristic red-orange colour. Yellow lenses, often called "blue blockers" will block out this wavelength also and may improve vision on a hazy day. They may present decreased perception of some cockpit displays, however.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Tinted lenses
Tinted lenses distort colours to some extent. The yellow shaded "blue blockers" will alter colour perception if tinted enough to block out 30% of the light. Thus, these lenses should be used only by aviators on bright, hazy days and avoided in low light situations. Green and grey lenses have the least distorting effect on colour vision. Brown distorts colours slightly more, but can block some of the blue light blurring in haze.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Darkness
Darkness or degree of light reduction is calculated in percentage and listed by numbers. A #1 lens blocks only 20% of the incoming light and has little value for aviators. The exception may be the #1 Yellow lenses for hazy or smog filled days. The #2 lens blocks 70% of light and are useful for most aviation situations. It provides a balance of glare protection, luminescence reduction and UV protection without significantly reducing visual acuity. The light reduction of #3 (85%) may be useful for those pilots particularly sensitive to bright light while others may find the #3 lens reduces visual acuity. The #4 lens blocks out 95% of incoming light and significantly reduces visual acuity because the macula, where sharpest vision is found on the retina, requires light to activate the cones of the retina. Aviators wearing these lenses in flight will not meet FAA minimum distant visual acuity standards.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Mirrored glasses
Mirrored glasses use metal particles to reflect images. They scratch easily and can cause distortion or blind spots. While popular for Hollywood movie pilots, professional pilots should leave them to actors, policemen and other imitators.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Photochromatic lenses
Photochromatic lenses increase darkness when exposed to UV light. Because aircraft windscreens block most UV light, the lenses will not darken substantially inside an airplane or car. The military prohibits its pilots from using these sunglasses for good reason. Pilots flying open cockpit airplanes are the only ones who may benefit from this feature.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Gradient lenses
Gradient lenses usually have a darker tint on the upper portion of the lens and a gradually lightening color near the bottom. This may be useful when trying to view instruments on a very bright day. The lighter tinting below allows more light from the relatively dark instrument panel to reach the retina and improve visual acuity while blocking out the glare from the outside view.
Sunglasses for Pilots - UV protection
UV protection is desirable for lenses worn outdoors, although it is not as important for glasses worn inside the aircraft since this wavelength is already blocked by the windscreen. Glass and polycarbonate block nearly all of the UV-B light. Soft plastic lenses may block visible light but not block any UV wavelengths. The hazard for cataract formation in the individual using soft plastic lenses is increased because the pupil dilates in response to decreased visible light. The dilated pupil allows more UV light to enter and penetrate the lens increasing the risk of cataracts.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Scratch resistant coating
Scratch resistant coating may increase the life of polycarbonate lenses and plastic lenses. Ironically, polycarbonate will withstand direct hammer strikes without breaking, but scratches relatively easily. Glass will shatter, but is more resistant to scratching. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than glass lenses.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Polarized lenses
Polarized lenses should not be worn by pilots in the cockpit. Glare from flat surfaces is blocked by polarized lenses which are oriented in parallel lines like closely spaced prison bars. Light parallel to the lines is transmitted while non-parallel light (glare) is blocked. Unfortunately, if the windscreen is polarized and the lenses are not precisely oriented the same as the windscreen, all light may be blocked. Changing bank angle and head position could create blind spots. For those who are boating and need glare protection from light reflected off the water, polarized lenses are excellent choices.
Sunglasses for Pilots - What we recommend
What we recommend: On bright days, consider using a neutral tint (green or grey) glass or polycarbonate lens that blocks 70-90% of the incoming light, possibly with a gradient that lightens on the lower portion of the lens. On a hazy or smog filled day, consider a yellow or brown lens that blocks 20% of the light, but avoid using it if colour perception (IFR flight), as opposed to visual acquisition (VFR flight), is important.
The military has found that some fighter pilots prefer the "high contrast" yellow visors for their helmets to enhance target acquisition, while others prefer not to wear yellow visors. At dusk or in lighting that is comfortable without sunglasses, remove them to increase visual acuity. Don't use polarized or photochoromatic lenses in the cockpit. Don't waste your money on soft plastic lenses or mirrored lenses. Scratch resistant coating may increase the life of polycarbonate lenses.
For additional information, please see the July-August 2002 Flight Safety Foundation article on "For Pilots, Sunglasses Are Essential in Vision Protection" and the Fall 2003 article from the Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin on "Sunglasses in Aviation: A Primer for Pilots" by Mr. Montgomery and Dr. Nakagawara of the FAA Vision Research Institute.
Optimum Vision and Eye Protection And Visual Acuity
Sunglasses for Pilots
There are many types of sunglasses available, but no single type is ideal for every pilot. Needs change based on age, light sensitivity, ambient lighting conditions and type of flying. Some sunglasses are not right for any pilot at any time. Valid reasons for wearing sunglasses in the aviation environment include improved night vision adaptation, enhanced contrast in the visual field, reduced glare, decreased UV exposure and avoidance of eye fatigue. Though style and appearance may be a consideration, the safety conscious pilot should focus on the proper selection of lens features rather than frame styles with cheap lenses.
Visual acuity varies with the light available and the sensitivity of an individual to various degrees of brightness. The pupil controls the amount of light reaching the retina. Older individual's eyes do not transmit as much light through the eye as younger people do. Therefore, many older individuals need more light for optimum acuity. They may want to use sunglasses that transmit more light. On high glare days, such as over snow or sand, the pupils contract to protect the eye from the glare. Sunglasses will reduce glare and allow the pupil to let more light on to the retina, thus enhancing vision.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Glare
Glare can also be caused by indirect blue wavelength light and UV light. UV light increases by 4% for every 1,000 feet of altitude and contributes to the blue colour of the sky. Some researchers feel this can cause a haziness on the retina decreasing visual acuity even when indirectly viewed. Fortunately, most windscreens eliminate much of this wavelength. Near sunrise and sunset, the atmosphere filters out this wavelength giving the sky its characteristic red-orange colour. Yellow lenses, often called "blue blockers" will block out this wavelength also and may improve vision on a hazy day. They may present decreased perception of some cockpit displays, however.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Tinted lenses
Tinted lenses distort colours to some extent. The yellow shaded "blue blockers" will alter colour perception if tinted enough to block out 30% of the light. Thus, these lenses should be used only by aviators on bright, hazy days and avoided in low light situations. Green and grey lenses have the least distorting effect on colour vision. Brown distorts colours slightly more, but can block some of the blue light blurring in haze.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Darkness
Darkness or degree of light reduction is calculated in percentage and listed by numbers. A #1 lens blocks only 20% of the incoming light and has little value for aviators. The exception may be the #1 Yellow lenses for hazy or smog filled days. The #2 lens blocks 70% of light and are useful for most aviation situations. It provides a balance of glare protection, luminescence reduction and UV protection without significantly reducing visual acuity. The light reduction of #3 (85%) may be useful for those pilots particularly sensitive to bright light while others may find the #3 lens reduces visual acuity. The #4 lens blocks out 95% of incoming light and significantly reduces visual acuity because the macula, where sharpest vision is found on the retina, requires light to activate the cones of the retina. Aviators wearing these lenses in flight will not meet FAA minimum distant visual acuity standards.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Mirrored glasses
Mirrored glasses use metal particles to reflect images. They scratch easily and can cause distortion or blind spots. While popular for Hollywood movie pilots, professional pilots should leave them to actors, policemen and other imitators.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Photochromatic lenses
Photochromatic lenses increase darkness when exposed to UV light. Because aircraft windscreens block most UV light, the lenses will not darken substantially inside an airplane or car. The military prohibits its pilots from using these sunglasses for good reason. Pilots flying open cockpit airplanes are the only ones who may benefit from this feature.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Gradient lenses
Gradient lenses usually have a darker tint on the upper portion of the lens and a gradually lightening color near the bottom. This may be useful when trying to view instruments on a very bright day. The lighter tinting below allows more light from the relatively dark instrument panel to reach the retina and improve visual acuity while blocking out the glare from the outside view.
Sunglasses for Pilots - UV protection
UV protection is desirable for lenses worn outdoors, although it is not as important for glasses worn inside the aircraft since this wavelength is already blocked by the windscreen. Glass and polycarbonate block nearly all of the UV-B light. Soft plastic lenses may block visible light but not block any UV wavelengths. The hazard for cataract formation in the individual using soft plastic lenses is increased because the pupil dilates in response to decreased visible light. The dilated pupil allows more UV light to enter and penetrate the lens increasing the risk of cataracts.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Scratch resistant coating
Scratch resistant coating may increase the life of polycarbonate lenses and plastic lenses. Ironically, polycarbonate will withstand direct hammer strikes without breaking, but scratches relatively easily. Glass will shatter, but is more resistant to scratching. Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than glass lenses.
Sunglasses for Pilots - Polarized lenses
Polarized lenses should not be worn by pilots in the cockpit. Glare from flat surfaces is blocked by polarized lenses which are oriented in parallel lines like closely spaced prison bars. Light parallel to the lines is transmitted while non-parallel light (glare) is blocked. Unfortunately, if the windscreen is polarized and the lenses are not precisely oriented the same as the windscreen, all light may be blocked. Changing bank angle and head position could create blind spots. For those who are boating and need glare protection from light reflected off the water, polarized lenses are excellent choices.
Sunglasses for Pilots - What we recommend
What we recommend: On bright days, consider using a neutral tint (green or grey) glass or polycarbonate lens that blocks 70-90% of the incoming light, possibly with a gradient that lightens on the lower portion of the lens. On a hazy or smog filled day, consider a yellow or brown lens that blocks 20% of the light, but avoid using it if colour perception (IFR flight), as opposed to visual acquisition (VFR flight), is important.
The military has found that some fighter pilots prefer the "high contrast" yellow visors for their helmets to enhance target acquisition, while others prefer not to wear yellow visors. At dusk or in lighting that is comfortable without sunglasses, remove them to increase visual acuity. Don't use polarized or photochoromatic lenses in the cockpit. Don't waste your money on soft plastic lenses or mirrored lenses. Scratch resistant coating may increase the life of polycarbonate lenses.
For additional information, please see the July-August 2002 Flight Safety Foundation article on "For Pilots, Sunglasses Are Essential in Vision Protection" and the Fall 2003 article from the Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin on "Sunglasses in Aviation: A Primer for Pilots" by Mr. Montgomery and Dr. Nakagawara of the FAA Vision Research Institute.
Optimum Vision and Eye Protection And Visual Acuity
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I've got a bit of a soft spot for sunglasses myself, and have had this conversation many times over.
Avoid polarised - For VFR flying the polarisation stops the glint and glare from anything horizontally polarising light. This includes water (from lakes and rivers which might otherwise be very useful for navigation), some runway lighting, and other aircraft (useful to see them so you don't hit them).
Some argue that polarising also affects visibility of 'glass' instrument panels and also visibility through some windshields which are polarised also. Having never flown with polarised glasses and glass cockpit at the same time I couldn't comment either way, but best to check if possible before you buy if you do get polarised.
Thin frames - If you wear an 'over the head' headset then you'll want something with thin frames. Very thin frames. Ray Bans aviators, Serengeti, and Oakley wire frames all work. The more sporty types of Oakleys are't suitable at all, but the brands you mentioned don't seem to style anything like those anyway.
Try them on! - You'll be wearing them a lot. Don't get something that looks amazing but isn't comfortable after half an hour under the headset.
Good coverage lenses - This doesn't always mean aviator style glasses, but you do want a pair which have a good coverage over the likely places you'll be looking. You won't want a thin lair of lenses which let glare through around them when you pop out of cloud. try them on and move your head around all over the place whilst looking at one point - Do the lenses change colour or tint, or are there any large uncovered areas?
Neutral coloured lenses - Try to find a lens with neutral coloured lens. Anything with a grey base is a good bet. The reason for this is that you will want good colour perception. Whilst the fancy coloured lenses look good, if they are a red/blue/green base then colours will become distorted, probably not best for the runway lights when landing into a sunset eh? This isn't to say you can't have a fancy lens colour, just check the lens base colour first!
Avoid Transistions lenses - They don't work for aviation! Some windshields are polarised and UV blocking, which stops the transitions from... well... transitioninging
This means you could be flying in brilliant sunshine, with no tint at all. If they do work in your aircraft, then they will not be able to keep with the changing light (think how often you look down at the fuel guage, or the map/plog/AI etc). They are really not recommended, and I would avoid them completely.
Hope this helps,
4015
Avoid polarised - For VFR flying the polarisation stops the glint and glare from anything horizontally polarising light. This includes water (from lakes and rivers which might otherwise be very useful for navigation), some runway lighting, and other aircraft (useful to see them so you don't hit them).
Some argue that polarising also affects visibility of 'glass' instrument panels and also visibility through some windshields which are polarised also. Having never flown with polarised glasses and glass cockpit at the same time I couldn't comment either way, but best to check if possible before you buy if you do get polarised.
Thin frames - If you wear an 'over the head' headset then you'll want something with thin frames. Very thin frames. Ray Bans aviators, Serengeti, and Oakley wire frames all work. The more sporty types of Oakleys are't suitable at all, but the brands you mentioned don't seem to style anything like those anyway.
Try them on! - You'll be wearing them a lot. Don't get something that looks amazing but isn't comfortable after half an hour under the headset.
Good coverage lenses - This doesn't always mean aviator style glasses, but you do want a pair which have a good coverage over the likely places you'll be looking. You won't want a thin lair of lenses which let glare through around them when you pop out of cloud. try them on and move your head around all over the place whilst looking at one point - Do the lenses change colour or tint, or are there any large uncovered areas?
Neutral coloured lenses - Try to find a lens with neutral coloured lens. Anything with a grey base is a good bet. The reason for this is that you will want good colour perception. Whilst the fancy coloured lenses look good, if they are a red/blue/green base then colours will become distorted, probably not best for the runway lights when landing into a sunset eh? This isn't to say you can't have a fancy lens colour, just check the lens base colour first!
Avoid Transistions lenses - They don't work for aviation! Some windshields are polarised and UV blocking, which stops the transitions from... well... transitioninging
This means you could be flying in brilliant sunshine, with no tint at all. If they do work in your aircraft, then they will not be able to keep with the changing light (think how often you look down at the fuel guage, or the map/plog/AI etc). They are really not recommended, and I would avoid them completely.Hope this helps,
4015
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@ newcadet
Guys, I use the American Optics original Pilot sunglasses...though a little heavy, but has a Superb clarity, specially in IFR CAT I approached 
...I used Ray Bans before that, they're light, but quiet expensive, there are alots of great brands out there...just make sure that you meet the requirements mentioned by your Issuing License Aviation Authority 
Happy Flights
...I used Ray Bans before that, they're light, but quiet expensive, there are alots of great brands out there...just make sure that you meet the requirements mentioned by your Issuing License Aviation Authority Happy Flights
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I noted a few posts up that grey/green lenses were recommended.
I've been looking at the Serengeti Velocity and Sortie ranges, leaning towards the Velocity, but the lenses are all brown. Has anyone had any issues with the colour of the lenses in these sunnies?
Cheers
I've been looking at the Serengeti Velocity and Sortie ranges, leaning towards the Velocity, but the lenses are all brown. Has anyone had any issues with the colour of the lenses in these sunnies?
Cheers
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Now I can't get it back in! I tried for about 30 minutes before throwing them in the draw, 6 months later I had another go with no luck. Has anyone else had this problem? I will just take them somewhere to get them repaired but I just thought I would mention it here.
