sunglasses

[epic!]

I hear polarized lenses are bad for flying. this true?

 

[stearnst]

I have been told that polarized sunglasses may actually block the glint or glare of sunlight reflecting off of other aircraft. On the other hand, I've heard that they're great for blocking the sun for all other purposes. I personally don't fly with sunglasses, though, this is just stuff I've been told, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[landlover]

I hear polarized lenses are bad for flying. this true?

some large jets have a polorized windows in the cockpit. i think if you have polarized shades on it will produce a negative effect??? i always wear them and never noticed a problem.

 

[RemoveB4Flght]

I think they get a bad rep becuase some display screens in some aircraft are difficult to read with polarized sunglasses.... however i fly everyday in g1000 equipped planes, and never had a problem with the display or spotting traffic.. try getting a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses or better yet borrow some and see how you do with them

 

[FL420]

As I understand it, the glass screens are polarized in one direction(either vertically or horizontally) to reduce glare. Polarized sunglasses are also polarized in one direction so if you look at vertically polarized screens with horizontally polarized sunglasses, the screens can disappear unless you tilt your head to align the different polarizations. That's what I've been told anyway. I never tried it as I don't buy polarized sunglasses.

The aviation physiologists in the Navy told us never to wear polarized sunglasses as they could prevent you from properly judging your altitude over very calm water. Apparently the glint off the surface allows you to see it when it's very calm.

 

[Super 27]

The polarized lenses can indeed reduce your ability to detect the glare off of other aircraft that could help you spot them. I've also had problems seeing certain cockpit displays, mainly like transponder screens and such. Never had any trouble with either G1000 or the Avidynes. I'd recommend something designed specifically for pilots; the Serengetti Hurikanus are my personal choice.

-Alfred

 

[ackattacker]

a SEARCH for "polarized sunglasses" returns 23 threads. Use it!

 

[Goose Egg]

The aviation physiologists in the Navy told us never to wear polarized sunglasses as they could prevent you from properly judging your altitude over very calm water. Apparently the glint off the surface allows you to see it when it's very calm.

I'm not an aviation physiologist, but I can tell you that it's difficult to judge height over glassy water, sunglasses or no. The thing is that the only time it would even matter is at the "treetop" level, which most of us will (hopefully) never see in day to day flying. I say get the polarized--that way you can wear them fishing too.

Edit: I'd say the single most critical factor in a pair of sunglasses is how comfortably they fit under your headset. That's what I'd shop for.

-Goose