Jet Shades

It's about pilots. It's about comfort. It's about sun protection.

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5 Cockpit Sun Protection Tips for Pilots

How to Select the Right sun protection product for your cockpit windows

1. It should protect you WHILE FLYING.

Many aftermarket aircraft window shade accessories are for use when your aircraft is parked on the ramp.  This does nothing to protect pilots from skin-damaging solar radiation when they need it most — during flight.

Keep in mind that as you increase altitude, your risk for exposure to harmful UVA and UVB radiation increases too!

2. Be certain the product won't damage your aircraft over time.

Foil guards, suction cups, cling films — all have been proven to damage aircraft windows. For instance, forgetting a cling film in a window and putting a foil guard behind it, then leaving the plane parked in the hot sun for a day or two is a surefire recipe to crack a cockpit window. 

Similarly, using suction cups leaves rings that distort and weaken the window after exposure to heat over time.

None of these are good for your plane (or your wallet), and could actually result in your plane failing a pre-buy inspection should you decide to sell it.

3. Know the difference: "acrylic-safe" doesn't mean aircraft safe.

Beware of the many window film options that claim to be acrylic-safe. This does not mean they are aircraft window safe!  

If adding films worked on aircraft windows , the manufacturer would have done this many years ago. Here's why they don't: Aircraft windows are not like automotive windows. They undergo pressure changes, expansion, and contraction along with extreme temperatures. 

Static cling or automotive-grade window tint films have NOT been tested or certified for this kind of exposure. Applying any type of film to your cockpit windows can easily damage your cockpit windows causing cracks and blowouts!

4. Make sure it meets FAA guidelines.

Flying is a serious activity. There are specific regulations that must be adhered to when it comes to blocking visible light during flight. 

Applying unapproved window tint films only adds to the risk of flying, not to mention being spotted by an inspector waiting to conduct a ramp check.

5. A three-part approach to sun protection has a pilot covered.

The optimal aftermarket aircraft window shade is:

  • - FAA approved
  • - protects pilots during flight
  • - causes no harm to your aircraft

Other than expensive window replacement, Jet Shades are the only FAA-approved heat, glare & UV blocking solution designed specifically for in-flight use.

Made with optical quality polycarbonate that is precision fit to grip against the aircraft trim (not directly touching the windows), Jet Shades provide superior visibility, maximum protection from the sun and solve one of the biggest complaints pilots experience when flying during peak sunlight time. 

BONUS: they can be removed in seconds before, during or after flight!

Jet Shades Cockpit Sun Protection Founder, Kevin Duggan

Kevin Duggan, Jet Shades Founder, Private Pilot & Engineer

Is there a pilot who hasn’t tried a makeshift hack to get some immediate relief during an especially sunny flight?

The whole idea behind Jet Shades is sun protection for pilots when they need it most —while flying. Pilots shouldn’t have to resort to sticking paper in the window when the sun starts heating things up in the cockpit.

In other words, you should be able to fly without worrying about skin cancer risks, pilot fatigue, or dripping with sweat in a hot cockpit. That’s why our founder, Kevin Duggan, created Jet Shades to solve this problem so many pilots struggle with.

Kirby Chambliss flies with Jet Shades!

Having flown more than 70 types of aircraft and logged over 26,000 hours in the air, world class aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss "really likes Jet Shades." He knows firsthand how hot the Arizona sun can feel inside his Piper M600 cockpit.

Kirby Chambliss uses Jet Shades Cockpit Sun Protection

Jet Shades are a revolutionary product for pilot sun protection. Most aircraft sun accessories focus on protecting your plane while it's parked. But what about pilots who are flying during peak sun hours?

Named Aviation Consumer's "Best New Aircraft Accessory" in 2019, Jet Shades UV, Heat & Glare-Blocking technology coupled with its innovative design solves the problem of hot, sunny cockpits for pilots.

  • Ditch the stopgap hacks for blocking the sun
  • Say NO to leathery skin, dark spots & wrinkles
  • Put an end to glare headaches, pilot fatigue & sweat-soaked clothes

Join over 4,000 pilots who rely on Jet Shades for in-flight comfort. You're going to LOVE how comfortable you feel and wonder how you flew without Jet Shades! 

At Jet Shades, "in-flight pilot sun protection" is what we do. Each Jet Shade is a super multitasker that protects pilots from skin-damaging UV, heat & glare.

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Jet Shades are available for a growing number of aircraft, including single and twin piston engine propeller planes, turboprops, jets, airliners, experimental/light sport, helicopters & more!

Can't find Jet Shades for your aircraft model? No problem! One of our authorized dealers can measure, cut, and precision-fit a set for you.

What Pilots are Saying About Us

Jet Shades 5 Star Reviews

I have not had anything work so well in the cockpit so thank you for your design, it’s been a life saver.

Steve U., Pilot & Jet Shades Customer
Jet Shades 5 Star Reviews

They do an amazing job of keeping the plane at a cool temperature in the Florida sun and I no longer need to use makeshift paper to keep the sun off my copilot & I while in flight!

Ilio V., Pilot & Jet Shades Customer
Jet Shades 5 Star Reviews

Jet Shades are the best investment I’ve made in my Cirrus! 

Deidre P., Pilot & Jet Shades Customer

Try our in-flight sun protection designed by a pilot for pilots.

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Jet Shades are trusted by over 4,000 pilots and backed with a rock solid two-year warranty.


It’s about pilots. It’s about comfort. It’s about sun protection.
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