FAQs

Jet Shades are available for over 80 aircraft makes and models - from Cessna 172s to Citation jets, King Airs to Air Tractors, Robinson helicopters to Airbus rotorcraft. Use the search on our Shop page to find your aircraft. If your model isn't listed, contact us - we may already have it in development, or we can discuss a custom solution.

• Both shading levels block 99.9% of UV radiation and significantly reduce cockpit heat.
• High Performance is the darker option with a mirrored exterior finish. It delivers maximum heat and glare reduction - ideal for hot climates, long flights, and aircraft parked on sun-exposed ramps. Most pilots flying in the southern US, the Caribbean, or similar environments choose High Performance.
• High Visibility is a lighter tint that reduces heat and glare while maintaining a brighter cockpit feel. It's popular with pilots who want sun protection without significantly changing the look of the cabin, or who fly in variable conditions where they want maximum outward visibility.
• Not sure which is right for you? Many pilots start with High Performance for cockpit windows (where glare is most distracting) and High Visibility for cabin windows.

• Windshield covers just the front windshield panels. It's the entry point for pilots who want to address forward sun glare.
• Cockpit covers the windshield plus the pilot and copilot side windows. This is the most popular package - it protects the people flying the airplane from the most direct sun exposure.
• Full Aircraft adds cabin window coverage behind the cockpit. It's the best option if you regularly fly with passengers, want to protect your interior from UV damage, or find that the cabin gets uncomfortably hot even with the cockpit shaded.
• Package availability varies by aircraft. Some models also offer a Heat Blocker package or Cruising Shades - see the product page for your specific aircraft.
  

• High Visibility shades have a lighter, non-mirrored finish. High Performance shades have a mirrored exterior. Both options provide excellent heat and UV protection - the mirror finish on High Performance reflects additional solar energy, which is why it delivers higher heat rejection.

• Jet Shades are custom-designed and precision-cut for each aircraft model. Every shade is manufactured in the USA using aviation-grade optical film and engineered mounting systems. The price reflects the aircraft-specific templating, quality of materials, and the engineering behind a product that has to perform reliably in a cockpit environment across a wide range of temperatures and altitudes.
• Cheap alternatives like static cling films, suction cup shades, and automotive tint may cost less upfront but come with trade-offs: poor fit, limited heat rejection, potential window damage, and in the case of adhesive films, possible FAA compliance issues.

Yes. Jet Shades are available through authorized dealers and aviation partners. For fleet operators, government agencies, and institutional buyers, dedicated partnership terms are available. Contact us for details.

• Jet Shades are removable - they clip or press into the window recess without touching or adhering to the glass. No tools, adhesives, suction cups, or modifications to the aircraft are needed. No STC is required.
• First-time placement is a one-time fitting process. Depending on your aircraft, this can range from under 30 minutes (for models where the shades are near plug-and-play) to 1–2 hours for aircraft where light trimming is needed to match your specific airframe. Every aircraft is slightly different, even within the same model, so this initial fitting step ensures a precise fit.
• Once fitted, your Jet Shades go on and off in seconds for every flight.

• It depends on your aircraft. Some models fit with minimal adjustment. Others - particularly older airframes with hand-built variation, aftermarket windows, or vent window cutouts - may need light trimming with scissors for a perfect fit.
• Jet Shades are precut to the near-net-shape of your aircraft windows. Any trimming is a one-time step during initial fitting. Rubber trim edging is included for a clean finished edge.
• If your aircraft has a vent window (common on older Beechcraft Bonanzas, some Pipers, and certain Mooney models), the vent cutout is sized as a starting point and may require minor adjustment to align with your specific vent position.

Contact us. We'll work with you to determine whether it's a fitting issue that can be resolved with trimming guidance, or whether the shades need to be replaced or redesigned for your specific airframe. We stand behind the fit of every product we sell.

Yes. Jet Shades do not interfere with the Rosen Visor system. You can use both at the same time.

Yes. On most aircraft with visor rail systems (Eclipse, Citation, King Air, and others), the shade slides behind the rail and sits against the window. If you have a non-standard rail configuration, contact us and we'll confirm compatibility.

Each Jet Shades panel weighs approximately half a pound. A full set can weigh 3–12 pounds depending on the number of windows. Since they are not permanently installed, they should be included in your weight and balance calculation as carry-on equipment, the same as any other items brought aboard.

Yes - that's what they're designed for. Jet Shades are engineered for in-flight use. They reduce heat, glare, and UV exposure while maintaining clear outward visibility. Most pilots leave them installed for the entire flight.

Yes. Since Jet Shades are tinted, they reduce light transmission. For night operations, we recommend removing the shades before the light fades. Removal takes seconds with the autopilot engaged or a qualified crew member at the controls.

Yes. Jet Shades are tested to withstand temperatures up to 200°F without bubbling, blistering, or delaminating. They can stay in the windows while parked and will protect your aircraft interior from heat and UV damage - making foil guards unnecessary in most conditions.

In some conditions - typically at higher altitudes during longer flights - you may see condensation or frost on the shade surface. This is normal and will not damage the product. If it occurs, remove the shade and set it aside briefly. The condensation will dissipate quickly.

• Foil guards block light but still allow significant heat to build up inside the aircraft. They're cumbersome, time-consuming, and can only be used while parked.
• Jet Shades reduce heat by up to 30°F, block over 80% of infrared energy, and can stay installed during flight. They also protect the aircraft interior from UV damage more effectively than foil guards. Once installed, most pilots stop carrying foil guards entirely.

Jet Shades are manufactured using a proprietary material formulation developed specifically for the cockpit environment - purpose-built to reduce heat

No. Jet Shades are removable and do not modify the aircraft in any way. No STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) is needed. They can be installed and removed for each flight, the same as any other portable equipment carried aboard.

• Adhesive films applied directly to aircraft windows can create several problems. They restrict the natural expansion and contraction of the window during pressurization cycles, which can lead to stress cracking. They also block emergency egress visibility at night and cannot be easily removed between flights. Without an STC specifically approving a film for your aircraft, applying tint directly to cockpit windows is not compliant with FAA regulations.
• Jet Shades avoid all of these issues because they sit inside the window recess without contacting or adhering to the glass.

Jet Shades are designed to provide approximately 5 years of service when used and maintained following the included instructions. All products are backed by a two-year warranty.

Jet Shades will not shatter like glass. To maintain their shape and performance, avoid folding or rolling them into a tight circle - store them flat or in a Jet Shades carrying case. 

Jet Shades are tested to withstand temperatures up to 200°F without bubbling, blistering, or delaminating.

• For light cleaning (fingerprints, dust), wipe with the included microfiber cloth.
• For heavier buildup, dampen a microfiber cloth with a mild solution of baby shampoo and water (approximately 1 tablespoon per half gallon), or use 70% isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth.
• Do not submerge or soak the shades. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, abrasive cloths, or paper towels on the coated surface.

Wipe them dry immediately with a soft cloth. Do not leave them in moisture. Always store Jet Shades in a clean, dry environment.

• The safest storage is in the Jet Shades carrying case (included with many packages, or available separately). If stored without a case, keep them in a clean, dry, low-traffic area to prevent scratching.
• We especially recommend removing your Jet Shades and storing them in the carrying case when the aircraft goes in for maintenance - this prevents handling damage by technicians who may not be familiar with the product.

• If you regularly remove your shades for night flying, maintenance, or transport between aircraft, a carrying case protects them from scratching and damage. It's also the best option for airline crews who carry shades between aircraft in a flight bag.
• If your package didn't include a carrying case, they're available separately on our website in Medium, Large, and XL sizes to fit different aircraft packages.

Most orders ship within 3–5 business days. You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order is dispatched. Shipping is free across the continental United States. Non-contiguous US destinations and international orders have location-based shipping rates calculated at checkout.

Yes. Jet Shades currently ships to customers in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, and Ireland. International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on destination, package size, and carrier rates.

If your country is not currently listed at checkout, please contact us and our team will be happy to review shipping options for your location.

International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes, and customs fees, which vary by country. These charges are not included in your order total and are typically collected by the carrier upon delivery. Jet Shades has no control over these charges and cannot predict the exact amount. We recommend checking with your local customs authority if you'd like an estimate before ordering.

Jet Shades offers a 14-day return window from the date of delivery. Products must be in original, unopened, resalable condition. Return shipping is at the buyer's cost, and original outbound shipping is non-refundable. To initiate a return, contact our customer service team at support@jet-shades.com with your order number and reason for return.

You can track your order using the link in your order confirmation email - this includes real-time shipping updates once your order has been dispatched. If you didn't receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder or visit our website and log into your account to view your order history. If you still need help, contact our customer service team at sales@jet-shades.com or call +1 (401) 649-0443 with your order number.