zodiacjeff(at)msn.com
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 Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: stuff about sunglasses |
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<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> Since there was some discussion about sunglasses recently, here is some info a former Sonex builder shared with me:
From rec.aviation.soaring safety FAQ:
"Polarized lenses are great for fishing but bad for
flying. Due to manufacturing stresses, there may be
small areas of polarization in an aircraft canopy or
windscreen and, if the angles of polarization in the
glasses and the windscreen differ, a blind spot can be
produced. Polarization may also interfere with depth
and distance perception, particularly during a bank.
Just what you need turning on final!"
From the iPilot message boards (sorry about the
lazyman typing, with no caps):
"if you're looking for the best in lenses, try Maui
Jim's. (www.mauijims.com) they make a style that has a
very thin, flexible piece of titanium as the temple
and it has no hinges. i have a reuglar hinged style
and they are the best lenses i have ever used BY FAR!
i have a low tolerance for bright light so the more
protection teh better. the lenses block UVA and UVB,
and are polarized. the polarized lesnes can pose as a
problem in that they can partially or totally block
the view of some digital avionics. i have never had
this occur though. you can make it occur if you tilt
your head 90 degrees to the avionics, the frequencies
on your radios will disappear, then reappear when you
tilt your head back to normal. the FAA doesn't
recommend the use of polarized lenses for that reason
but there are no regs against them."
From the FAA website, in a Federal Air Surgeon's
Medical Bulletin titled "Are Sunglasses in Aviation
Really Necessary?":
"Polarized lenses eliminate reflected glare from a
flat surface. However, looking through a laminated
aircraft windscreen, while wearing polarized lenses,
can result in a reduced retinal image. "
From a website called "www.iflyamerica.com", in an
article about choosing the right sunglasses:
"But all pilots should avoid polarized sunglasses,
says Dr. William Monaco, an aviation optometrist in
Wilmington, Delaware, because they eliminate the
all-important glare or glint of light reflected from
other maneuvering aircraft that catches your eye,
alerting you to traffic nearby."
From the website "www.aviationmedicine.com", article
titled "Eye Protection and Optimum Vision for Pilots":
Polarized lenses should not be worn by pilots in the
cockpit. Glare from flat surfaces is blocked by
polarized lenses which are oriented in parallel lines
like closely spaced prison bars. Light parallel to the
lines is transmitted while non-parallel light (glare)
is blocked. Unfortunately, if the windscreen is
polarized and the lenses are not precisely oriented
the same as the windscreen, all light may be blocked.
Changing bank angle and head position could create
blind spots. For those who are boating and need glare
protection from light reflected off the water,
polarized lenses are excellent choices.
I also found that Flying magazine article about
Scheyden Sunglasses where they state:
The standard neutral gray lenses did not change the
colors of the instruments, which is key since the FAA
doesn't allow pilots to wear polarized sunglasses in
the cockpit.
I'm not sure where they got that info, since even the
material from the FAA site doesn't indicate it is "not
allowed".
So, it looks like the general concensus is that
polarized sunglasses aren't a great idea for flying,
but it isn't against the FAR's.
[quote][b]
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