View Full Version : Goggles for spectacle wearers
BroomstickPilot
12th Apr 2003, 17:07
Advice and suggestions sought.
I am due to make a return to flying after a break of many years. I particularly wish to fly open cockpit taildraggers as I used to do in former years.
Nowadays, however, I have to wear spectacles. I am informed that some people fly in ski goggles that fit over spectacles.
I have looked at all the ski goggles available but can't find a single pair that do not have tinted lenses.
Can anyone please advise.
BroomstickPilot.
Lowtimer
12th Apr 2003, 17:40
Broomstick,
I have a similar problem and while dual have been putting up with ski goggles in an inappropriate colours borrowed from the flying school. I find the yellow ones quite scary - they make the whole day seem unreal, like a videogame.
Haven't tried them yet but I am aiming to try the Davida goggles designed for this purpose - look at this site (http://www.davida.co.uk/aviator/avipilot.html)
Mike Cross
12th Apr 2003, 18:02
They are available but you may have to search. Drivers of fast power boats need them for the same reason as pilots.
As an alternative:-
I use a pair of wraparound ski glasses made by Bolle, with interchangeable lenses. These are close fitting enough so that I don't get the wind coming round the sides and making my eyes water. They take a clip-in plastic frame which you can have glazed to your prescription and the side arms are good and secure so that they don't come off even when I crash (skiing that is).
The interchangeable outer lenses mean I can vary the tint to suit the conditions.
Haven't tried them for flying (not open cockpit) but it might be worth a try.
www.bolle.com
http://www.smithsport.com/products/moto/index.htm
Mike
SlipSlider
14th Apr 2003, 19:52
perhaps you could try govt surplus outlets? I'm sure I've seen on newsreel both flight deck ops crew on carriers and also armoured vehicle crews wear un-tinted goggles over specs.
Slip
FlyingForFun
14th Apr 2003, 20:18
I only have 10 hours in open-cockpit aircraft, but I found I was fine without goggles at all. My glasses provided enough protection for my eyes, and the cloth helmet held my glasses on perfectly well. Not saying that'll work for you, but worth a try at least?
FFF
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MLS-12D
14th Apr 2003, 23:38
Another alternative might be to purchase goggles fitted with prescription lenses. Here is one place in the USA: http://store.yahoo.com/perroneleather/avgog44.html I am not familiar with the particular product, but the Perrone company has been around for quite a while and seems reputable.:ok:
BroomstickPilot
15th Apr 2003, 02:29
Many thanks, Guys, one and all.
Your replies have given me several useful leads to follow. Greatly obliged to you all.
BroomstickPilot
MLS-12D
15th Apr 2003, 05:07
UVEX also makes a prescription goggle: http://ski-n-see.com/uvex.html. I'm note sure if it is available untinted.
Other options in the "UVEX" line of goggles would be their product code 4001012208 or 4001012248. Both are designed for spectacle wearers, have clear lenses, and are relatively inexpensive. See further http://www.sunglassesetc.com/sportgoggles.cfm
Finally, "Flightsuits.com" in California offers the Type 521: http://www.flightsuits.com/open_goggle.html
Please report back on how things work out!
P.S. Here is a short discussion regarding tints: http://www.vnh.org/FSManual/09/08Eyewear.html