The best color lenses for pilots are grey or brown, with a tint that allows at least 20% light transmission (no more than 80% absorption).
Understanding Lens Colors for Pilots
Choosing the right lens color is crucial for pilots, as it directly impacts vision and safety during flight. Different colors affect how pilots perceive colors, contrast, and depth, and can reduce eye strain. Here's a breakdown of why gray and brown are preferred and important factors when choosing lens tint for pilots:
Recommended Lens Colors
- Grey:
- Grey lenses provide the most natural color perception.
- They reduce overall brightness without significantly altering colors.
- This is crucial for pilots who need to distinguish colors accurately for cockpit instruments, signals, and terrain features.
- Brown:
- Brown lenses offer excellent contrast enhancement.
- They are particularly beneficial in bright, sunny conditions.
- Brown can improve depth perception.
- The color balance is still suitable for accurate color perception.
Avoid Other Lens Colors
- Blue: Blue lenses can distort colors and cause eye fatigue.
- Green: While some find green lenses comfortable, they may not offer the best contrast for all lighting conditions.
- Yellow/Orange: These colors can increase contrast but also distort colors, making them unsuitable for pilots.
- Mirrored or overly dark lenses: Lenses that are too dark (more than 80% absorption) should be avoided as they can hinder vision, particularly in changing light conditions.
Key Factors to Consider
- Light Transmission: Lenses should transmit at least 20% of visible light to be safe for piloting. This means no more than 80% absorption.
- UV Protection: Ensure your lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection to shield your eyes from harmful solar radiation.
- Non-Polarized Lenses: While polarized lenses are popular for reducing glare, they can sometimes interfere with the readability of LCD screens in aircraft cockpits. It is generally recommended that pilots use non-polarized lenses.
- Material: Lenses should be made from shatter-resistant materials, such as polycarbonate.
Why These Recommendations?
- Safety: Pilots need to perceive colors accurately for reading instruments, navigation charts, and identifying terrain features.
- Comfort: Reducing glare and eye strain is important for long flights.
- Consistency: Grey and brown lenses provide consistent color perception and visibility in a variety of conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lens color can significantly impact a pilot's performance and safety. By opting for grey or brown lenses with appropriate light transmission (20% or higher) and UV protection, pilots can enhance their visual clarity and reduce eye strain in the cockpit.
