FLYTE Aero
FLYTE Sunglasses
We all know that uncomfortable feeling of pressure from wearing sunglasses with our headsets, and the interference with our noise-cancelling that it can cause. Thankfully, the Team at FLYTE have delivered a solution.
Launched at the beginning of this year, FLYTE’s focus is on creating high-quality, comfortable sunglasses that are compatible with headsets, headphones and helmets. FLYTE’s range of frames are constructed from ultralight carbon-fibre and high-quality components that make for a comfortable pair of sunglasses you can easily wear all day. Where these glasses excel though, is in their arms. The super-thin arms are as unobtrusive as possible to headsets and headphones, ensuring the seal around your ear is not interfered with. This preserves noise-cancelling to a higher degree than with other, standard glasses.
FLYTE have not skimped on lens quality either. The company offers a range of tints, with polarised and non-polarised options. When it comes to flying, CASA, FAA and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority all recommend against the use of polarised lenses, due to potential interference with LCD displays on the dash and aircraft windscreens.
I recently tested two pairs of FLYTE sunglasses, the Halcyon and the Clarity, both with Tamatea (dark smoke) non-polarised lenses. I can confidently say that these are the lightest pairs of sunglasses I’ve ever worn, and were incredibly comfortable for everyday wear. When wearing with headphones, there is no discomfort or pressure. It allowed me to wear the glasses for an extended period with headphones on, with no comfort or noise-cancelling issues whatsoever.
I also tested the glasses while riding my motorcycle. I often have issues with wearing sunglasses with my helmet; they can be hard to put on, and you’re always conscious of them once you’re wearing them. Thick frames limit visibility too, which can have dire safety consequences. The Halcyon pair I wore while riding eliminated all three of these issues, giving me optimised visibility, reduced glare and a comfortable ride.
For those looking for the perfect pair of everyday sunglasses that adapt perfectly to flying, look no further than FLYTE.
From $195.00 at flyte.aero
Dream Pilot
Magic Kneeboard
These days, most pilots fly with the aid of a smartphone or tablet for navigation and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) assistance. For those without a dedicated space on their dash, the Magic Kneeboard from Dream Pilot is an ideal pick to keep your screen secure and easily accessible.
The Magic Kneeboard is a true universal solution that will hold any portable device firmly in place. The 4-magnet design allows for portrait or landscape mounting while maintaining a strong hold. The unit is compatible with Apple’s MagSafe technology, and also usable with non-MagSafe devices via the use of steel plates. While other kneeboards often have a bulky attachment apparatus, the Magic Kneeboard consists of a simple band and magnet, making it comfortable to wear and easy to mount and remove your smartphone or tablet at will.
$79.95 at flightstore.com.au
James Vicars
Beyond the Sky
The ‘lost’ life of Australia’s first woman pilot. Before the glamorous flyers of the 1930s like Amelia Earhart, ‘Chubby’ Miller and Nancy Bird Walton, another woman opened the way to the skies—and were it not for a tragic twist of fate, her name might now be just as familiar. In 1920s Australia, flight was still new, dangerous and glamorous—and the aviators were all men. That was until Millicent Bryant, a petite 49-year-old mother of three, made her first solo flight, igniting a passion that led her to become the first woman in Australia and the Commonwealth outside Britain to gain a pilot’s licence.
$34.95 at melbournebooks.com.au
John Pugh
Seagulls do it better, John
“Seagulls do it better, John” by John F Pugh is a captivating book that takes you on an exhilarating journey through the skies of Tasmania and Australia. Authored by John Pugh, an experienced aviator and instructor, this book stirs curiosity, revives memories, and intrigues pilots of all levels. From uncovering precision techniques to overcoming challenges, John’s patience, compassion, and wit shine through. With vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, he paints landscapes and unveils the joys and hazards of flying. This heartfelt and must-read book offers a unique glimpse into the extraordinary life of a man who dedicated himself to the skies.
$50.00 at downunderpilotshop.com.au
