When we think of pilots, many of us picture dashing figures sporting stylish aviator sunglasses, but few know the real reasons behind the eye protection. As it turns out, there are several surprising benefits to pilots wearing sunglasses, both for their eyes and for the safety of their passengers.
Pilots wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun's glare and harmful UV rays, which can be higher in altitude. They also block distractions from the light that may interfere with their vision while flying.
In this post we’ll explore why pilots have been wearing sunglasses for ages, and why protecting the eye is so important when you’re flying high. So don your aviator shades and get ready to learn all about why pilots wear sunglasses!
Table of Contents
Why Do Pilots Wear Sunglasses?
Piloting an aircraft, day or night, involves critically assessing environmental clues with limited visibility. In order to maximize this ability, many pilots make use of protective eyewear such as sunglasses. The benefits of wearing sunglasses while flying can be divided into two categories: eye protection and enhanced visibility.
On one hand, some argue that the primary reason for pilots wearing shades is for protection against bright sunlight and its damaging effects on vision including blurred or dimmed vision, temporary blindness, or difficulty focusing. It's not uncommon to experience these symptoms from staring into the sun's glare at high altitudes. That is why sunglasses are useful in mitigating the risks of certain conditions affecting clear visibility which can be detrimental to a pilot’s safety.
On the other hand, proponents of sunglass wear often credit eye protection as well as improved sight performance due to polarization optics technology found in aviation glasses like aviator sunglasses. Aviation lenses tinting can enhance contrast and reduce reflections off surfaces like glass and water as well as provide HD vision capability with improved contrast and clarity. This improved visibility makes it easier for pilots to discern navigational waypoints more accurately in higher altitudes with limited environmental reference points conflicting natural light sources.
While there are differing opinions among experts as to why pilots wear sunglasses, it appears that a combination of reasons exists that satisfy both camps including improvements in both safety and vison performance. To discover how pilots in foggy or overcast conditions benefit from sunglasses specifically, stay tuned for the next section of this article.
Key Takeaway
Piloting an aircraft, either during the day or at night, requires the ability to accurately assess environmental clues under limited visibility. To maximize this ability and remain safe, many pilots wear sunglasses. The benefits of wearing sunglasses can be broken into two categories: eye protection, i.e. against bright sunlight and its damaging effects on vision, and enhanced visibility through polarization optics technology and tints to increase contrast and clarity. A combination of reasons exists to support both arguments that sunglasses are beneficial for improved safety and vision performance.
Enhancing Visibility in Cloudy Conditions
The previous section showed the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from harsh sunlight and glare. However, protective eyewear has an important role to play in keeping pilots safe during cloudy conditions as well. Polarized lenses can help pilots to cut through haze, fog and clouds, improving visibility and allowing them to see obstacles that might otherwise be hard to spot.
In some areas with frequent fog or smog, aviators are actually required to wear polarized glasses for their own safety. The enhanced visibility allows them to more easily judge the delicate nuances of their surroundings, such as height relative to terrain features and clouds. On the other hand, some professionals argue that it can be helpful to keep regular eyeglasses on while flying in actually very cloudy conditions, as they accentuate contrasts and make dimly lit visuals seem brighter.
While there may not be a universal consensus on whether standard eyeglasses or polarized sunglasses offer better visibility in primarily cloudy settings, it is essential for pilots to always have the correct shade protection while flying regardless of cloud coverage. Having a pair of appropriate protective lenses ensures that pilots are able to see clearly at all times without harming their vision, helping them to stay safe even when visibility is less than ideal.
Eye protection through proper sources of shade is essential for aviators no matter what kind of weather they find themselves in. To truly ensure maximum vision in any scenario, it is best for pilots to have both sunglass and standard eyeglass options available at all times before takeoff. With the right equipment in place, aviators can enjoy clear vision both inside and outside the cockpit - no matter how cloudy the skies are. Next we will take a closer look at how this eye protection helps pilots stay safe even in broad daylight by shielding their eyes from glare and intense sunlight.
Protecting Eyes from Glare and Sunlight
Glare and bright sunlight can be extremely distracting and dangerous for pilots. Vision loss, eye fatigue, and headaches are only some of the effects that extreme sunlight or high levels of glare can have on pilots. As a result, both safety experts and pilots have turned to wearing sunglasses as part of their uniform to shield their eyes from the dangers of direct sunlight.
Sunglasses are often tinted with an anti-glare finish which helps pilots better distinguish differences in terrain, landscape colors and tones, disturbances in the air such as turbulence, and potential threats in the sky. By reducing glare from bright colors, pilots can gain clarity so they can operate more efficiently in challenging conditions. Furthermore, sunglasses block harmful UV rays that prolonged exposure to natural light can cause.
The benefits of wearing sunglasses for protection against the sun is widely accepted by aviation experts. However, there is still some debate over how necessary it is for pilots to wear sunglasses during night flying or in cloudy conditions. Some experts argue that there isn’t as much need for eye protection since there won’t be as much risk of exposure to intense light. However, others point out that unexpected changes in weather or light conditions could lead to glare even under less sunny skies or during nighttime flights. Still others note the importance of providing eye protection due to prolonged exposure—even at nighttime—which requires protection particularly against harmful blue light emitted from displays inside cockpits and monitors outside aircrafts.
As such, many agree that regardless of environment or climate settings, added protection from glare with sunglasses may help provide exceptional visibility for improved comfort and performance while maintaining a professional appearance that both safety experts and veterans have come to expect from pilots. To further explore eye protection for pilots we will now take a look into the different types of specialized sunglasses specifically designed for aviation purposes.
Different Types of Sunglasses for Aviation
Different types of sunglasses for aviation must be considered, as protection from glare and sunlight is just the start of what pilots need. For example, UV protection is essential; while pilots in general are exposed to higher levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation compared to average people on the ground, this exposure increases significantly at altitudes above 16,000 feet. Similarly, certain environments may require eye protection not only from light but also from dust particles, insects and more. Fortunately, there are a variety of different styles of sunglasses that offer optimal coverage for these needs and bring other advantages to military or commercial pilots.
For those who fly during sunny days or fly in snow-covered regions, polarized lenses can reduce strain on the eyes by absorbing more than 99 percent of visible light that comes from all directions. Additionally, convenience should also be taken into consideration when selecting sunglasses for flight. Many brands now offer interchangeable frames with various lens tints for pilots to switch up depending on the environment they find themselves in. Sometimes the transition lenses have special photochromic technology that automatically adjusts to changing light levels - perfect for those transitioning between night and day.
These types of eyewear can come in traditional aviator sunglasses styles perfected since their original design by Ray-Ban in 1937 or take on a sleeker look with demi-masks that fit around the face and temples securely although they might not provide as much coverage as aviators. Despite the popularization of aviator styles decades ago—especially among military personnel—not all versatile shades need to resemble aviators, allowing pilots to express their own personalities without risking comfort or practicality.
Whether a pilot opts for advanced performance lenses with interchangeable tints or something more traditional like the classic aviators, it’s important to ensure he or she selects something both comfortable and durable enough for regular wear in aircrafts — something flight crews are usually able to do with the plethora of eyewear options now available. As the current choices for military and commercial eyewear expand increasingly more sophisticated, pilots seem to be better outfitted than ever before. Now that we've gone over how different types of sunglasses can help protect a pilot’s eyes in various settings, let's discuss why goggles may be advantageous as well in some cases.
Goggles vs. Sunglasses for Pilots
When it comes to eye protection, goggles and sunglasses are the two most commonly-used items for pilots. Goggles can be advantageous in some situations, providing a full seal around the face and blocking out dust, wind, snow, or any other particles that may present a problem in flight. However, they often steam up in warm or humid conditions and can cause issues with peripheral vision, making them unsuitable for many flying conditions.
Sunglasses have certain advantages over goggles when it comes to aviation. Generally speaking, they permit more freedom of movement without fogging up and provide adequate protection from glare and dust without sacrificing peripheral vision. Additionally, sunglasses come in a wide variety of styles to fit the pilot’s needs and personal preferences. Furthermore, lenses that contain an anti-reflective coating may reduce eyestrain and provide protection from harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. And finally, the open design of sunglasses allows maximum ventilation for the eyes which is especially important on long cruises in hot climates.
The debate between goggles and sunglasses for pilots will likely continue as both options offer different benefits depending on the weather conditions, type of aircraft being flown, or even the personal preference of the aviator. Ultimately though, when choosing eye protection during flight, lenses should fit properly over the eyes while providing sufficient coverage to reduce glare and protect against UV rays. In addition, comfort and proper airflow must also be taken into consideration to ensure fewer distractions during flight operations.
Whether you decide to go with goggles or sunglasses while flying, protecting your eyes is always important. Wearing lenses with ample UV protection can help prevent long-term damage that airborne objects like dust or sand can cause when flying at high altitudes. With this information in mind, let’s now explore some of the benefits of wearing sunglasses in flight.
Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses in Flight
In the debate between goggles and sunglasses for pilots, sunglasses ultimately provide more advantages for comfortable and clear view during flight. For starters, sunglasses are much more lightweight and easier to wear than goggles, allowing pilots to focus less on the headgear and more on flying. Additionally, the added comfort levels of sunglasses limit distraction in the cockpit, which can be invaluable when attempting to efficiently fly a plane. Furthermore, certain styles of sunglasses contain polarized lenses that reduce glare—a major benefit unique to sunglasses that is not offered by goggles. Glare reduction increases visibility during flight and prevents eye fatigue due to strong sunlight while outside the cockpit. Sunglasses are also better equipped when dealing with rapid changes in lighting such as entering a cloud or emerging from a tunnel—the quick adjustment will be less disruptive with tinted lenses than more intrusive goggles.
While debates may continue about which type of headgear is best for pilot’s eye protection, the evidence is conclusive that sunglasses definitely provide important safety benefits. Their lighter weight armor and improved visibility allows pilots to maintain order in their cockpit and focus more specifically on their tasks at hand. The transition from goggles to stylish yet functional sunglasses has been made…continuing the discussion on how else they can be utilized in aviation today.
Other Uses for Sunglasses in Aviation
Many people don’t know that there are more uses for sunglasses in aviation than just protecting the eyes. While it is true that sunglasses do help protect a pilot’s eyes from the sun’s rays, they can also be used to improve visibility and performance in a variety of situations and environments.
For instance, sunglasses can be worn during night flights to reduce glare from oncoming traffic. Some pilots believe that wearing red-tint lenses helps them identify objects better at night as they have less blue light which makes stars seem brighter. The red tint also helps with visibility while flying through clouds, allowing the pilot to see through fog and mist better.
Also, some airlines require their pilots to wear yellow-tinted glasses during certain types of flights to improve vision during adverse weather conditions such as sandstorms or hazy conditions. The yellow tint sharpens contrast and helps improve visibility.
Even though many pilots choose to wear sunglasses in flight for eye protection, there are other benefits worth considering. Pilots should always consider a variety of lens tints and shades when determining what type of lenses would best suit their needs. Each type of environment or weather condition comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to maintaining clear vision, so choosing the right pair of glasses can make all the difference in maintaining safe flying ensures maximum visibility and comfort for the pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sunglasses do pilots wear?
Pilots typically wear polarized, UV-resistant sunglasses in order to reduce glare and help protect their eyes from the sun's damaging rays. Polarized lenses are especially helpful for pilots flying at high altitudes because they can reduce glare from the sun reflecting off of clouds or other aircraft surfaces.
Additionally, pilots may also opt for specialized aviation sunglasses that provide full-wrap coverage from the sun, and which have a built-in temple grip to ensure they stay put while in flight. With these specialty aviation sunglasses, pilots can enjoy not just eye protection; but also visual clarity and an efficient interior design to maximize visibility.
Are there specific benefits to wearing sunglasses while flying?
Yes, there are specific benefits to wearing sunglasses while flying. Sunglasses help protect pilots' eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can cause glare that reduces visibility and increases the chances of an accident. They also help pilots to see better at night and in low-light conditions since their pupils are constricted by the sunglasses and allow more light into the eye than if they were not wearing sunglasses.
Finally, sunglasses can block out other sources of bright light such as cabin lights, panel lights, instrument reflections, and even certain terrain features that could be difficult to discern in flight. This can be particularly beneficial in climates with strong sunlight or areas with high levels of air pollution.
What regulations are in place regarding the use of sunglasses while piloting aircraft?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific regulations regarding the use of sunglasses while piloting aircraft. According to 14 CFR Part 91.103, all pilots are required to wear protective eye gear while flying during daylight hours. The FAA states that the sunglass lenses must either be of a neutral grey, copper or brown color, or they must be tinted a sun-protection factor (SPF) greater than 2. These regulations are in place to ensure that a pilot's vision is not obstructed and that their eyes receive adequate protection from UV radiation.
In addition to these regulations, the FAA also advises pilots who wear contact lenses to have a pair of non-corrective sunglasses on hand should the contacts be lost mid-flight due to turbulence. This provides extra protection for their eyes should any additional sunlight enter the aircraft during flight.
It is important for pilots follow these regulations and requirements when wearing sunglasses during flight as inadequate protection can lead to impaired vision or worsened glare in certain weather conditions, potentially leading to dangerous situations mid-flight. It is also essential for pilots to keep an extra pair of non-corrective sunglasses on hand in case they lose their contact lenses in flight.