Pilots wear a lot of accessories to protect various body parts, but did you ever think Why do Pilots wear aviators?
Pilots wear these sunglasses to protect the eyes from bright sunlight and harmful radiation; aviators also give the eyes a cool look and make pilots stylish. However, there is another significant reason for wearing aviator sunglasses and it is a tradition coming back from 1935 in the U.S. military.
Aviator sunglasses have a long history that you can dig out in this blog. In addition, you will also find out how pilots see at night or if can pilots are color blind.
Here we go!
Why Do Pilots Wear Aviators?
Sunglasses are important for safeguarding the most important sensory organ of pilots; yes, we are talking about vision. But why do Pilots Wear Aviator Sunglasses?
Normally top quality aviator sunglasses are necessary for the cockpit environment because pilots have less air at the height of approximately 35000 feet which is not good for the eyes. Another reason for wearing aviator sunglasses is to protect the eyes from dangerous sunlight, radiation, and other effects.
Aviator sunglasses are also necessary for better vision, decreasing eye strain, and saving the oculus tissues from dangerous radiation. Furthermore, they also protect the eyes from aerobatic maneuvers and uncertain bird strikes.
You know good eyesight is essential for pilots as the cabin crew and many other passengers’ precious lives depend on them. Similarly, color-blind pilots have limited flight hours, they cannot fly the plane at night as it is very risky for passengers and aviation staff!
What Are Aviator Sunglasses?
Aviator sunglasses are fashionable, and military and commercial pilots like them for many reasons. At the beginning of the 1900s, when pilots flew higher and higher in the sky, eye protection became a debated topic. The first Aviator was introduced by American optical back in 1935 and used by the U.S. military, gaining popularity with the name of U.S. military D-1 sunglasses.
The aviator sunglasses are designed to cover the whole eyes and protect them from any harmful effects. These goggles have fur at the edges and seal the eyes. But at the start, pilots were not fully satisfied with the design.
We all know that flying at a high altitude without wearing any sunglasses will cause the eyes to swell; if it does not cause much harm, the sharp brightness will lead pilots toward blindness.
This is why, with time, aviator sunglasses have been improved and made with teardrop shapes and dark lenses to keep the eyes safe from harmful light and radiation. A pilot named Macready, who suffered from swollen eyes during the flight, designed the first Aviator: The U.S. military further adopted his design.
With the advancement in optic technology, aviator sunglasses also improved, one of which is method seven glasses having filtering technology. These are non-polarized and help pilots to see clearly; one more specialty of this design is the compatibility with oxygen masks and headrests.
Just like pilots needed protected sunglasses for their eyes 90 years ago, today, the need is even more with the advancement in aircraft technology.
Aviator Sunglasses Suits Best Military or Commercial Pilots?
Although aviator sunglasses have been used by the U.S. military since 1935, making them historical, it does not mean they are only made for military pilots, but they are equally incredible for commercial pilots.
They suit best those because of the anti-glare feature and U.V. protection. Pilots love to wear them during flights because of the tradition that first comes from U.S. military cops. Since then, every pilot’s first choice has been aviator sunglasses.
Pilots who wear aviators look stylish, and the best thing is that they suit almost all face types.
Aviator Sunglasses Are First Choice of Pilots: Do You Know Why?
Let’s check out why Aviators are the on-the-go choice of pilots globally.
Give Full Coverage to Eyes:
Today all pilots love to wear Aviator because they are designed to provide the best coverage when flying high. Their teardrop shape and large rectangular lens perfectly fit the eyes of almost every face type.
Moreover, this design will keep the glasses near the face, so the pilots will easily lift them down or up. They also keep the eyes safe from bright and harmful sun rays.
Wearing Aviator is a Tradition:
As mentioned earlier, Aviators were first introduced by the U.S. military in 1935 for their military pilots. American Optical introduced the first-ever Aviator named the U.S. Air Corps D-1. After that, one of the founders of Randolph Engineering shifted to the U.S., and in 1982 the U.S. military signed a contract with them to manufacture HGU-4/P sunglasses.
Since then, this engineering company has made the HGU-4/P Aviator for the U.S. Navy and Army. Whether fighter or commercial pilots, they are equally amazing for all flying high in the sky.
Aviator Look Cool and Stylish:
Aviator sunglasses are stylish and suit almost all faces. The best feature is their rectangular-shaped large lenses that offer the eyes a perfect fit. Pilots don’t need to take them off to wear oxygen masks. Everyone looks so cool wearing aviators.
Do You Have Any Idea What Sunglasses Lens Are Best For Flying?
Sunglasses are available in many styles, colors, and shapes; the purchase depends on the person’s choice. Most manufacturers introduced the sunglasses lens in almost every color, but not all are equally great for pilots.
The four commonly suggested colors for aviation sunglasses are brown, gray, green, and black. But the most acceptable color for the lens is gray, so it is very important to choose the right colored lens to look at the cockpit equipment.
Green, brown, and gray lenses are advised because they provide clear vision in hazy weather conditions, enhance contrast and increase the object’s vividness.
Polarized or Non-Polarized Lens: What is Suggested?
The non-polarized sunglasses are highly recommended for pilots and other crew members. Because polarized sunglasses will interact with the equipment placed in the cockpit, this is why manufacturers have added anti-gale features.
On the other hand, a non-polarized lens protects pilots’ eyes from U.V. and bright sunlight. In reality, the cockpit display screens are incompatible with sunglasses with polarized lenses.
Our Summary:
So, next time you go on your first flight don’t forget to wear them. After all, good eyesight will help you to excel in the field of aviation.
Wish you all luck with your pilot job; stay safe!
