Sporty’s Pilot Shop has introduced three new aviator-style sunglasses with integrated reading lenses.
“As our eyes age, we need a bit of help in reading our iPads, charts and other notes,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “These sunglasses will prevent constant changing from sunglasses to reading glasses during flight.”
All three styles feature a stainless steel frame with thin, flexible temples and an adjustable nose bridge. A small portion at the bottom of the lenses is magnified to help with reading. The remainder of the lens is unmagnified. Lenses are available in +1.5, +2.0, or +2.5 spot diopters.
The three styles include the AV1, the NV2, and the AV2. Each is available for $99.95.
Thanks Steve! Great information on focal length. I searched and found CPA magazine, March 2009, advertising sun glasses Airplane Things, Inc. http://www.mcssl.com/store/airplane-things-inc/sunglasses
I ordered a pair.
These are worthless as aviator glasses. The focal length is way too close to the face (like 12″) and panel instruments are un-readable.
I purchased a pair of these about a year ago and found them totally unacceptable.
I still use the reader sunglasses that are advertised in the Cessna Pilots Association magazine (cant remember the manufacturer), they have a focal length of two to three feet which work well in the cockpit, I just need to upgrade from 1.5 to 2.0.
I found a pair of Berkley glassed for $20 at Walmart with the same bifocal in them. They work wonderfully and saved $80! If I could find them without polarized lens I’d be even happier but they do a very nice job! Oh, BTW they also work very very well for threading and tying fishing knots. LOL!!!
Great looking product, question I have with most with sunglasses you can’t see screens, such as on an iPad. The other is why $100, plus shipping that’s rediculous. Especially when most of your pilots are over fifty and could use this product. Sorry, I was excited at first then the price clinched it for me.