Aviation Goggles
Aviation goggles is a term loosely applied to any type of goggles used or worn by pilots flying small open cockpit airplanes. One of the earliest manufacturers of aviation goggles produced the very famous and now collectible Aviator Goggles. The French Jeantet Company first produced the Aviator Goggle in 1929 and marketed them to pilots of small planes as well as car and motorcycle enthusiasts. They recently started up production of this very popular product once again.
Open cockpit airplanes were not that easy to maneuver, and the danger and discomfort caused by the wind rushing into the plane at high speeds made it almost impossible to see where you were going. Thus the need for good quality aviation goggles arose. Aviation goggles weren't only worn by pilots either, but they ended up being very popular choices for those riding in open cars or on motorcycles.
During World War one the need for high visibility when piloting an airplane gave rise to the military issuing these to their pilots. Vintage aviator goggles from World War One are still being found and are often offered for sale still in good condition. Often these type of lenses had colored plastic lenses, velvet or leather frames, and an elastic strap that goes around the head. Air holes were often placed around the side lenses to allow adequate air flow.
Goggle design changed gradually, till in World War Two the goggles no longer had the side panels but rather just the two front plastic panels. An interesting fact is that since these aviation goggles, there has been little change in design to the ones that are commonly worn today. Lens today should also offer you protection from both ultra-violet A and ultra-violet B rays. It has been discovered that ultra violet rays can cause cataracts. Polarized lenses prevent glare from the sun beaming off clouds hindering your vision as well.
Not only are aviation style goggles useful when you're piloting a small plane, or cruising around on your motorcycle, but they're also a very necessary piece of equipment when sky diving!
If you're interested in either vintage or modern aviation goggles, Ebay usually has a selection of these available and you can see the current listings right here. Aviation goggles these days sport lenses of various colors, including green, blue, brown and even yellow so that they should match anything you're wearing. Often the outer lens piece is also colored, especially for goggles designed specifically to wear as fashion goggles.
US $9.99
