Sporty’s has introduced Instant IFR Clip-On Training Glasses.
Designed to simulate instrument flying, the glasses offer an alternative to hoods and foggles, according to Sporty’s officials.
Instant IFR glasses clip onto your existing eyeglasses or sunglasses. The flip-down lens design allows for smooth transitions between simulated IMC and visual conditions, Sporty’s officials added.
Features include:
- Clip-ons are designed to work with aviation headsets for long training flights
- Flip down for simulated IMC, flip up to transition to landing
- Glasses clip onto your kneeboard or flight bag for storage.
Price: $24.95.
For more information: Sportys.com
I also am part of the bi/tri focal club. I have found the most realistic training is to go fly when the clouds are double the minimums. I have a triangle of 2 class D and one class C airports. Not having to fly all the way down to minimums makes relatively easy instrument training but gives you the actual instrument time. Flying with a vision blocker doesn’t give the most realism, especially if you are in and out with the sunlight changing brightness as it will when in actual weather. If you are not comfortable with this get your instructor to right seat with you. You will have the added benefit of ATC actually being responsible for you and the traffic around you. This also gives the practice of filing / picking up clearances and dealing with off airport departure proceedures.
If night time is needed then grab and instructor and file at night. kill 2 birds with one flight
Just my 2 cents worth
While I appreciate all the attempts to simulate IMC, it is tough for those of us who have joined “The Bifocal Club.” The place where we look in the bottom of the clip-ons, Foggles, et al, is right smack dab in the close-up portion of our glasses. This is no good for looking at the panel. I think a possible solution might be the view-limiting device that attaches to the bill of a ball cap, then I could perhaps look at the panel through the top portion of my glasses. My solution since switching to bifocals several years ago has been to do my instrument currency in the sim and do the actual in the airplane.