The Story Behind Flying Eyes Aviation Eyewear
During EAA AirVenture 2025, Ray Delahoussaye met with Robert Greene at the Flying Eyes sunglasses booth to discuss how the company is reshaping aviation eyewear for pilots. Flying Eyes was born from a common flight deck frustration, traditional sunglasses that pinch under aviation headsets. Dean Siracusa, the founder of Flying Eyes, both a pilot and innovator, decided to solve the problem. His wife suggested he focus on sunglasses and after extensive research into the eyewear industry, he developed the first Flying Eyes model, the Hawk Covertibles.
What started with an elastic strap system has evolved into glasses made from a lightweight aerospace polymer, virtually unbreakable, ultra-flexible, and thinner than traditional frames. With a patented design created specifically for headset-friendly sunglasses, Flying Eyes has become a go-to brand for professional and recreational pilots worldwide.
Comfort and Safety in the Flight Deck
Flying Eyes are widely recognized as the best sunglasses for pilots thanks to their unique headset compatibility. Unlike traditional eyewear that causes discomfort after long flights, Flying Eyes frames are engineered to slide under ear cups without disturbing the headset seal or creating painful pressure points.
Robert Greene, now part of the company, first discovered Flying Eyes as a flight instructor. Spending six to eight hours a day in the flight deck made traditional sunglasses almost unbearable. But once he tried Flying Eyes, the difference was clear: lightweight, no pinching and comfortable enough for long-haul flights.
New releases like the Peregrine Titanium frames weigh just seven grams, making them some of the lightest aviation sunglasses available. Their lightweight design directly enhances safety because pilots are more likely to wear them consistently. This matters since UV exposure increases dramatically with altitude, putting pilots at risk for conditions like cataracts, eye cancer, and macular degeneration. With 100% UV protection built into every pair, Flying Eyes keeps vision safe while ensuring flight deck comfort.
Lens Technology and Options for Every Pilot
One reason Flying Eyes is considered among the top pilot sunglasses is its range of customizable lens options:
- Non-Polarized Lenses for Aviation: Essential for flying, they prevent interference with flight deck glass displays.
- Polarized Lenses for Outdoor Use: Popular with pilots who enjoy fishing, boating, or outdoor sports.
- Gradient Tint Lenses: Darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, ideal for protecting against glare while still allowing clear instrument visibility.
- Prescription Options: Flying Eyes frames can be fitted with custom prescription lenses, with or without tint, making them versatile for both daily wear and flying.
In addition to function, Flying Eyes now offers aviator-style sunglasses and titanium designs for pilots who want both performance and style.
A Commitment to Pilots and Customer Support
Flying Eyes has earned a strong reputation not just for its aviation eyewear, but for its customer-first approach. During airshows and aviation events, the team often swaps scratched lenses or even provides entirely new frames, ensuring pilots never go without protection.
This dedication has created loyal customers who frequently recommend Flying Eyes to fellow aviators. From lightweight frames to excellent support, Flying Eyes demonstrates why it’s a trusted name in the flight deck.
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