A person wearing Method Seven Pilot Patriot FLT18 sunglasses for pilots.

PATRIOT SKY18

Pilot Sunglasses

$275.00

Description plus minus

The Patriot is Method Seven's newest stealth performance frame, designed specifically for The Patriots Jet Team. Titanium alloy construction features Japanese hand tooling and seamlessly conforms to your face. Lightweight, strong, and flexible, the Patriot is headset and flight helmet compatible, offering exceptional peripheral vision in a sleek wraparound design. 

Lens Technology

Method Seven develops advanced, non-polarized optical technology specifically for the visual demands of aviation. Our proprietary notch filtering selectively reduces harsh wavelengths of light while preserving useful visual information, enhancing contrast, clarity, and natural color perception. Engineered to provide full UV protection without the electronic display visibility issues associated with polarized lenses, Method Seven optics help pilots maintain a clear view of instruments, aircraft windows, and the surrounding environment.

SKY Lens Technology plus minus

SKY lenses represent Method Seven's original mineral glass aviation technology, combining exceptional optical clarity with advanced notch filtering. Crafted from premium German glass incorporating eleven elements, including rare-earth neodymium, the lenses feature thirteen proprietary coatings engineered to manage intense sunlight, reduce glare, and provide UV and infrared protection. Precision manufacturing and the inherent scratch resistance of mineral glass deliver lasting optical clarity, while carefully controlled light transmission enhances contrast and color perception in demanding flight conditions.

18% Visible Light Transmission plus minus

At 18% Visible Light Transmission (VLT), Method Seven lenses provide a versatile tint for a broad range of daytime flying conditions, from overcast skies to bright sunshine. Advanced notch filtering selectively reduces harsh light while preserving useful visual information, natural color perception, and contrast. This balanced light transmission makes 18% VLT a practical choice for pilots flying in varied weather, lighting conditions, and aircraft.

Frame Technology

Method Seven Pilot frames are engineered for the specific demands of aviation, combining lightweight materials, flexibility, durability, and a secure fit. Our headset-compatible designs feature ultra-thin temples that minimize pressure, help maintain headset seals, and reduce interference with flight helmets and oxygen equipment. Developed and tested with professional and general aviation pilots, each frame is purpose-built for comfort, stability, and clear communication during flight.

The Patriot plus minus

Developed with direct input from the Patriots Jet Team, the Patriot was engineered to meet the demands of high-performance formation flying. Its lightweight titanium construction combines ultra-thin flexible temples with a secure wraparound fit, providing expansive peripheral coverage and protection from unwanted light. Designed to remain stable during high-G maneuvers, the Patriot accommodates aviation headsets, flight helmets, and oxygen equipment without compromising comfort or visibility.

Frame size: 64–17–135 mm | Lens height: 39 mm | Base curve: 8 | Weight: 21.3 g FLT/MACH / 31.3 g SKY

Titanium Frame Technology plus minus

Method Seven titanium frames are hand-tooled for strength, flexibility, and lasting durability. Lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant, titanium provides a comfortable fit while standing up to the demands of frequent flying. Its hypoallergenic properties make it suitable for extended wear, while precisely engineered temples flex to accommodate aviation headsets and flight helmets without unnecessary pressure.

Method Seven Pilot

Method Seven scientifically develops eyewear engineered for the unique visual demands of aviation. Through in-house optical research, precision engineering, and extensive field testing with professional and general aviation pilots, we create purpose-built lenses and frames that enhance clarity, contrast, comfort, and protection. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of the most important flight instrument of all: the human eye.

Scott "Intake" Kartvedt

The helmet fits, you don't feel them, there's no hotspots. They're not polarized, so you can look inside and outside, even when we're flying into the sun they block out that glare. I have flown with all other brands of glasses in my 27 years as a Navy pilot, as a civilian aerobatic pilot, and as a commercial airline pilot, these are the best pair of glasses I have ever worn.

Scott Kartvedt is a professional pilot and President of the Blue Angel Foundation. He instructs and evaluates for United Airlines in Denver, Colorado, and is the number 5 pilot for the Patriot Jet Team. He also served as a stunt pilot in "Top Gun: Maverick" and was the aviation safety supervisor for "Mission Impossible 8."

Scott's career includes five combat tours, flying with the Blue Angels, and serving as the Navy’s first commanding officer of the only F-35C Stealth Strike Fighter Squadron. Inspired by "Top Gun," Scott pursued aviation after graduating from Pepperdine University, joining the naval aviator program and flying FA/18 Hornets.

Selected for the Blue Angels in 1999, he performed air shows for three seasons. He led VFA-83, earning multiple awards and flew 91 combat missions during five deployments, amassing over 6,300 flight hours and 658 carrier arrested landings.

Scott became an FA-18 instructor, participated in Iraq's "shock and awe" campaign in 2003, and served as Aide de Camp to the U.S. Northern and Pacific Commands. He commanded an FA-18 squadron with two tours in Afghanistan and later ran the Navy’s F-35 program, leading the first stealth fighter squadron. Though he retired in 2013, he joined the Patriots Jet Team, and continues his airshow and aviation career flying in major films.

Overall rating: 4.862069 / 5 from 29 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Patriot SKY18 pilot sunglasses offer precision optics with notch filtering technology for superior contrast and clarity. The lenses, featuring special thin-film coating, provide optimal visible light transmission for various light conditions. The titanium alloy frame is lightweight and compatible with headsets and flight helmets, ensuring comfort and exceptional peripheral vision.

Summary topics

  • Glass Quality (25%): A significant amount of customers expressed satisfaction with the great quality and performance of these glasses.
  • Lens Clarity (21%): A significant number of customers appreciated the lenses for being extremely clear and having excellent true color rendition.

Review topics: [].

Review highlights

  • "First, I love blue lenses and there isn’t a huge selection out there." — Westley E.
  • "I also appreciate the fact that the lenses are glass, there truly is no substitute." — Westley E.
  • "Light weight and great lenses, would like to see them also made in SKY30 lenses!!" — Wayne N.

Reviews

The best

"They are the best"

— Edward A. (5/5)

Great protection & great optics!

"I'm a runner and love these glasses!"

— Dean K. (5/5)

"They have great visibility through the lenses. I did get glass lenses, they do weigh a bit more than poly lenses."

— Max (5/5)

One of the Best Aviator Sunglasses Available

"Great aviator sunglasses. Use all the time. Bought several as gifts."

— Donald P. (5/5)

Incredible Flight Optics

"No more lifting my sunglasses when trying to read screens inside the cockpit. I operate in the upper 300’s and even 400’s where eye protection from UV light is hypercritical. Of all the sunglasses I have used over the years they all had one thing in common. When I need to see details (small chart notes and the like) inside the cockpit I had to remove the sunglasses. With my MethodSeven, I get plenty of of dimming of the outside light in addition to the UV protection I need. And what is awesome now is I forget I have them on because I don’t have to lift them to see inside the cockpit. Thank you for these great lenses!"

— Jeff H. (5/5)

Great sunglasses for the money.

"Great sunglasses for the money. Love how clear everything is and great in lower sunlight. I typically don’t like sunglasses unless it’s very bright. Recommended!!!"

— Brian K. (5/5)

Best sunglasses I’ve ever bought

"The instant I put these on I knew I had made the right decision. My eyes relaxed immediately. The quality and clarity is superb."

— Stephen B. (5/5)

Patriot Sky18

"Great sunglasses! They're light so you don't feel them pressing your head with headsets on. With the Sky18 there's no problem reading the instruments both analog and screen and they're dark enough to reduce the glare especially on top of an overcast layer. Overall well worth it!"

— Jerb J. (5/5)

Light and comfortable

"Equally good for weather and avionics screens"

— Luis S. (5/5)

Patriots Sunglasses are the Best

"These are by far my favorite sunglasses. So comfortable and the coverage is awesome. With these you don’t get light leaking in from the side as with other designs and styles. The optics are second to none and provide enhanced coloration and contrast. With other brands I consistently find myself taking off or putting my glasses on my head to get a rest from them. With these the opposite is true, with such a high degree of eye comfort and clarity. I wish the sky30 lenses would be introduced to the patriot line as I am looking for a lighter tinted pair to compliment these as I can’t wear the aviators due to my wider face. Can’t recommend enough."

— Vincent L. (5/5)

Q&A