FinnWings From Finland, joined Oct 2003, 640 posts, RR: 3 Posted (5 years 4 months 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 2656 times:
Hi all,
I did a search and find earlier discussions about polarized sunglasses and flying. However, I couldn't find answer to my question, but sorry if this has been discussed before.
I decided finally to invest for good sunglasses, but I was wondering what is the best color for the lenses when flying. Every color has advantages and disadvantages, so I would like to know what is your opinion about them?
Basically brown lenses give you a good contrast, but it disturbs to see the colors properly. When using grey lenses then you are able to see colors very well, but the contrast isn't so good. Green lenses are some kind of compromise between brown and grey lenses. Which one is more important, the contrast or good color visibility? What kind of sunglasses you are using when flying? I have thought some Ray Bans, but just the lense color is the biggest issue...
Basically this topic could be posted to "polls & preferences" forum as well, but I thought that I could find more professionals from this forum and of course good sunglasses are important part of the safe operation of the aircraft...
Any help is kindly appreciated, thanks a lot for all in advance!
Ralgha From United States, joined Nov 1999, 1614 posts, RR: 7 Reply 1, posted (5 years 4 months 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 2582 times:
I've got a pair of Oakley's with dark iridium lenses. They improve contrast slightly, but I don't really care about contrast as long as it doesn't degrade the constrast I have without sunglasses. The biggest factor for me was that they were DARK. These are about the darkest ones I could find without getting the warning on the box that says you shouldn't operate machinery. Even so, there've still been a few times (inside near the top of those bright white clouds) where it's been almost too bright even with the shades on.
707cMf From France, joined Mar 2002, 4885 posts, RR: 50 Reply 2, posted (5 years 4 months 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 2511 times:
I bought a pair of unpolarized Ray Bans a few weeks ago, it is the best thing since sliced bread. You are almost not aware that you are wearing sunglasses, the colours are almost unchanged (when I say almost, I really mean it) and it does block the light glare very very efficiently.
I will not say they are the best or only good sunglasses for pilots, but they are really great, and worth everz penny you spend.
A380900 From France, joined Dec 2003, 768 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (5 years 4 months 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 2473 times:
I wondered the same thing a few weeks ago. I bought polarized Serengetis and then realized that you should not go for polarized glasses when flying. Anyway, I don't think I cannot use them for flying. The polarization is not such a big deal.
Anyway I bought these sunglasses for flying and other activities. If I had bought them only for flying, I would have taken their Drivers gradient model especially designed for pilots. They look like ray bans with brown glasses and are ugly but seem to serve their purpose well.
If you don't mind looking like a dude straight out of the seventies, you can use them for other purposes as well.
Scootertrash From United States, joined Aug 2001, 569 posts, RR: 11 Reply 7, posted (5 years 4 months 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 2148 times:
Polarized lenses are not good, as they wash out the color cyan on glass displays. In addition, they interfere with the pilots vision when combined with the coating on some windshields (or so I am told). I remember being told that the FAA said that polarized lenses were a no-no, but I can't provide a source for this info. I do know some airlines here in the U.S. that prohibit their use.
I wear a pair of Ray-Bans with the darkest brown lens they make. I like the added contrast, and they really cut down on glare... A definite must seeing through the thick southeastern haze.
QantasA332 From Australia, joined Dec 2003, 1500 posts, RR: 50 Reply 8, posted (5 years 4 months 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 2121 times:
Just to confirm what Scootertrash mentioned already, polarized lenses are not a good idea for flying - not only do they sometimes make reading displays more difficult, they more importantly produce all sorts of distracting interference patterns with windscreens/windows. Beyond that and tint specifications, what you get is really up to what you personally find most comfortable.
For more info regarding sunglasses and flying, check out this "Federal Air Surgeon" bulletin...
JeffDCA From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (5 years 4 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 2059 times:
Polarized lenses can conflict with already polarized cockpit windows/instruments, making it difficult to see outside, or see the readings. They also cut out glare which makes it more difficult to spot traffic in the air.
I recently bought a pair of Oakley's (not polarized), and have found them to be excellent. They're comfortable, and don't give false color information. The only downside was the price, but they are built to last for sure.
Pl4nekr4zy From United States, joined Aug 2003, 460 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (5 years 4 months 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 1976 times:
I'm no pilot, but as someone who partakes in a ton of outdoor activities and sports, I agree with those who suggested Oakleys. Some styles, M Frames in particular (which I have), have easily removeable lenses, so you can buy extra lenses in whatever shape, size, color, and tint that you want. You can get a case for them that can also store an extra lens. That way, if the weather changes as you fly, you can swap lenses (takes 10 seconds) to meet whatever your UV blockage needs are!
Oakleys are on the expensive side, but they are very high quality glasses, have a lifetime warranty, are comfortable, and most of 'em are rather stylish, I might add.
CFIcraigAPA From United States, joined Jan 2004, 223 posts, RR: 6 Reply 12, posted (5 years 4 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1924 times:
Don't have a link, but Plane and Pilot magazine recently looked at a bunch of sunglasses and put out a matrix of the results. I went and bought their #1 recommendation, the Oakley A-Wire 2.0. Very happy with them, great for flying and zero distortion. Very sturdy too with the spring hinge. I got the Ice lenses and there is very minimal color distortion.
FinnWings From Finland, joined Oct 2003, 640 posts, RR: 3 Reply 13, posted (5 years 4 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 1764 times:
Thanks a lot for all of you... you gave very valuable information for me!!
And after Greasespot posted his link at least I know what I'm NOT going to buy!! The captain would request to change his F/O if I would be wearing those beauties when flying...
Greasespot From Canada, joined Apr 2004, 2777 posts, RR: 29 Reply 15, posted (5 years 4 months 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 1684 times:
Ahem..... "HIM" You sure you do not want to correct that.
That is ok. I have worked in the industry long enough to understand that him, his, he, and guys are the standard pro nouns.
But I do think that the over the tops would be an amazing thing to walk down the aisle with. Greet the passengers with them on. Really.... You know command respect.
Greasespot
Sometimes life leaves a $100 on your dresser, and you don't realize until later that it's because it f..ked you
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