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

PATRIOT SKY9

Pilot Sunglasses

$275.00

Description plus minus

Developed with the Patriots Jet Team, the Patriot features a lightweight titanium wraparound frame with expansive peripheral coverage and ultra-thin flexible temples designed for aviation headsets and flight helmets. Its secure fit is engineered for demanding flight conditions. SKY9 mineral glass lenses deliver exceptional clarity and contrast with 9% visible light transmission, making them ideal for intense sunlight and pilots who prefer a darker tint. Frame size: 64–17–135 mm | Lens height: 39 mm | Base curve: 8 | Weight: 31.3 g

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.

9% Visible Light Transmission plus minus

Visible Light Transmission (VLT) measures the percentage of visible light passing through a lens. At 9% VLT, SKY9 is Method Seven's darkest pilot lens, designed for exceptionally bright conditions and pilots with greater light sensitivity. Advanced notch filtering selectively reduces intense sunlight while preserving important visual information, including instrument and electronic display visibility.

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: 4.9166665 / 5 from 12 reviews.

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Review highlights

Reviews

Love these glasses

"See the world in a different more vibrant light with these glasses."

— Dean K. (5/5)

"Great glasses, but they are prone to collecting fingerprints that are fairly difficult to wipe off. Almost like it’s lacking a slick coating that other glasses have. Some of the tint is also starting to wear off in one spot, but I may have nicked it or brushed it up against something. The fit is excellent though, and the glass is crystal clear with no parralax that I can detect."

— Daniel (4/5)

Best aviation sunglasses I have owned so far in my life!

"I absolutely love the darkness and clarity of these lenses - flying in Arizona is no longer arduous, and the color contrast is really awesome. Great for use in the cockpit with full EFIS and EFB."

— Mark R. (5/5)

Best sunglasses I have ever

"Best sunglasses I have ever worn for flying. The lenses are amazing and they fit perfectly. I highly recommend Method Seven to any pilot"

— Alessandro N. (5/5)

Great sunglasses!

"These are my second pair of method seven glasses. I bought my first a few years ago for driving (I needed non polarized for the HUD), and I loved them. I wanted a second pair, and I can tell that they’ve definitely made optical improvements since my first pair. These glasses significantly enhance contrast, as good as polarized glasses in my opinion. Of course, it’s still easy to see my car’s instrument display and HUD. Also, I really appreciate the mild wrap around more than I thought I would. Great glasses, and I would highly recommend them."

— Matt N. (5/5)

My favorite in the cockpit!

"I bought 3 different pilot glasses from Method7: Altitude wrap, Patriot and the Ascent Aviator. All with SKY9 glasses. My conclusion: The Ascent Aviator looks the coolest, but there is a lot of light coming in from the side. I have really sensitive eyes, so I do only wear it if there‘s not much sun. And I would probably not buy it again. Altitude Wrap covers the eyes really well. But the frame is also covering the view in the cockpit a bit, so i use this one in my freetime. Looks good and is really stable. The Patriot is my favorite in the airliner-cockpit. Covers the eyes perfectly and has no frame. I love that one for flying. Is really light and also fits perfectly under the headset."

— Moritz F. (5/5)

I love these sunglasses

"I wear them everyday, primarily for driving. The wrap around coverage is spot on....could not work better."

— Robert A. (5/5)

SKY9 is the way to go!

"After getting a bit tired of changing my (other brand) polycarbonate sunglasses again (as they damage in time) I decided to try glass sunglasses. The SKY9 is amazing for commercial pilots. I used them the last couple of flights (777) and they do an amazing job! I was worried they would be a bit too dark but they are perfect for any condition. To my surprise they added the hardcover case with it which I wanted to order after testing the glasses. So many thanks! Personally, I wish the glasses were slightly bigger. On top and below there is a bit too much space. In the cockpit it's no problem but when walking on the street sunlight comes from the top."

— Peter D. (5/5)

Great shades!

"Great shades!"

— Sean D. (5/5)

You’ve found the best.

"I have a handful of excellent sunglasses, my Method 7 Patriots with Sky 9 lenses tops them all. The frames are beefy but surprisingly light. The lenses are astonishingly clear and sharp, both inside and outside the flight deck. They wrap around the face so light from the side is not a non-factor. I actually forget I have them on. So much so, that one flight after sunset my flight instructor asked if I was going to take them off. Totally forgot they were there! Worth every single penny."

— John (5/5)

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