If you’re a pilot who is in IFR training, you need a pair of IFR training glasses that is comfortable to wear while using an aviation headset or wearing eyewear, sufficiently blocks your vision, so you only see the instrument panel, and is built to last.
Here are 3 of the best options, so you can make the most of your instrument training.
Top PickThe Blockalls are recommended by AOPA due to their comfort, durability, and ability to comletely prevent glare.
New: $33.10
The Blockalls IFR View Limiting Device has everything that a pilot in IFR training could want or need. Recommended by AOPA, I found them to be lightweight, comfortable, stylish, and durable.
What really set the Blockalls apart from other IFR training goggles, though, is how they prevented glare even when flying on the sunniest of days – an issue that is unfortunately all too common with these types of glasses. This is due to the design decision to forgo the frosted lenses that other IFR glasses manufacturers are so set on.
The glasses were also comfortable to wear thanks to the soft silicone nose piece, smooth temple tips, and lightweight design, which made them easy to slide on and off while wearing my headset.
With the Blockalls, my eyes stayed focused on the instrument panel only, while fully blocking my peripheral vision.
The main problem that many IFR training glasses suffer from is that they are uncomfortable to wear – not only when wearing an aviation headset, but also when wearing any eyewear. Thankfully, I can confirm that isn’t an issue with the KMD Aero Aviation Flight Training Glasses thanks to their comfortable, adjustable lightweight design.
Made from shatterproof polycarbonate, the frosted lenses are definitely built to last and managed to mostly block out everything but the instruments.
The high brow area is smartly designed, which prevented me from peeking and is just as well, as we all know the temptation to peek can at times be too much despite our best intentions.
Best IFR HoodThe Feather Hood is lightweight and uniquely designed to maximize comfort.
New: $25.75
Okay, so the Feather Hood, which was designed by an 11,500+ hour CFII-ATP pilot and is accepted by the FAA for check rides, isn’t actually a pair of IFR training glasses, but it is still worth your consideration.
This is mainly due to the Feather IFR Training Hood’s unique design that ensures you won’t run into any issues no matter which pair of sunglasses or aviation headset you wear.
The Feather Hood is also very light at just 1 ounce and folds flat to easily store in your flight bag, seat pocket, or kneeboard.
The Foggles did just an okay job at blocking sight but left too much of my peripheral vision available. They didn’t do well on very sunny days either, resulting in blinding glare. They also suffered from poor build quality and didn’t provide the most comfortable fit when wearing glasses or when wearing an aviation headset.
I like how the Jeppesen Shades have a flip-up design, but they are a no-go due to their poor workmanship. Many pilots find that they break at the hinge point after a while. They were also a bit of a hassle to first put on.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
