Why Pilots Need Non Polarized Sunglasses
02-28-2015, 07:09 AM
#11
On Reserve
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Joined APC: Jul 2009
Position: 737 Capt
Posts: 21
Originally Posted by AdiosMikeFox
Nice to see the contrast bumped WAY out of proportion on those polarized images so they can sensationalize the "problem" and sell you on non-polarized lenses.
I've been flying with polarized lenses for 20 years, bot GA and airlines. I've had zero trouble looking through windscreens (both heated and not), at instruments (steam gauges or CRT), or seeing other aircraft. I'd say I'm able to spot distant aircraft before my non-polarized counterparts are able to. Yes, there is occasionally some rainbow effect on windscreens, but it's completely transparent and, occasionally, tipping my head to the side will cause a radio to "dim", but I generally look under my glasses for inside work anyway.
Polarized = not a problem.
I should add the caveat that these are prescription lenses. Maybe they are a higher grade/better aligned than off the shelf Sunglass Hut lenses.
I've been flying with polarized lenses for 20 years, bot GA and airlines. I've had zero trouble looking through windscreens (both heated and not), at instruments (steam gauges or CRT), or seeing other aircraft. I'd say I'm able to spot distant aircraft before my non-polarized counterparts are able to. Yes, there is occasionally some rainbow effect on windscreens, but it's completely transparent and, occasionally, tipping my head to the side will cause a radio to "dim", but I generally look under my glasses for inside work anyway.
Polarized = not a problem.
I should add the caveat that these are prescription lenses. Maybe they are a higher grade/better aligned than off the shelf Sunglass Hut lenses.
That video is displayed as is. The contrast was not adjusted for affect. Also, the angles are not 90 degrees. It varies depending on your sunglasses and how they were manufactured. It's usually 30-45 degrees of angle from my experiments. Also some of the cheap sunglasses have some sort of polarized coating which may barely make them polarized and have a reduced impact in both the distortion and the protection.
I recommend to anyone that they compare side by side both types of sunglasses and compare for themselves. Out of literally a hundred pilots, I have yet to find anyone that felt their polarized sunglasses were on par with a good pair of non polarized sunglasses.
I use Serengeti Non Polarized Sunglasses - The reason is their superior quality in the non polarized market. They clarity helps a lot in the changing light conditions.
03-06-2016, 03:45 PM
#15
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: GA pilot
Posts: 38
Cataracts
Originally Posted by GogglesPisano
So what's the big deal with seeing rainbows on the windshield? I think they're pretty. 
I don't want glare. I don't want cataracts when I'm older.
Now if you see unicorns ...
I don't want glare. I don't want cataracts when I'm older.
Now if you see unicorns ...
03-22-2016, 12:25 PM
#16
Banned
Joined APC: Dec 2015
Position: Aeroflot
Posts: 179
[QUOTE=arby;1833924]There is a reason that Polarized Sunglasses are not recommended by the FAA. There are numerous articles on
light from horizontal surfaces such as water or
snow, polarization can reduce or eliminate the visibility of instruments that incorporate antiglare
Who wears sunglasses?
light from horizontal surfaces such as water or
snow, polarization can reduce or eliminate the visibility of instruments that incorporate antiglare
Who wears sunglasses?
04-04-2016, 03:37 PM
#19
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,232
Originally Posted by wildcat1
I remember when I flew older aircraft that the polarization was an issue. But modern aircraft displays and screens don't have that problem. That problem is more for pre 2000 aircraft.
With windows it could be cause by wire heating elements, in which case newer windows with a gold-film element might be OK. Or it might be caused by multiple layers of different materials, in which case and jet windscreen would be a problem.
I've definitely seen the effect on airliners delivered after 2000 They were designed prior to 2000).
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