Best Aft Cockpit Sun Shade Options for Planes
Direct answer: Aft cockpit sun shades help reduce glare and heat for pilots, with the best choices being custom-fitted sets for A320 and universal options for other cockpits. The top picks below are suited for pilots who want quick storage, durable materials, and easy portability. This guide highlights five options that balance fit, visibility, and practicality for cockpit use, plus a buying guide to compare features side-by-side.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Storage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSEI Aviation A320 Cockpit Sunshade (Set of 4) | A320 pilots needing full cockpit window coverage | Custom fitted for A320 cockpit windows; front shades are see-through | Requires 2 sets for full coverage |
| A320 First Officer Cockpit Window Shade (Generic) | Travel-friendly spare shade | Ultra-light, pocket-sized for flight bag | Small size; easy to carry |
| B777 Cockpit Sunshade (Left/Right Seat) Easyflighter | Wide-body cockpit glare reduction | Universal fit; durable construction | Designed for both seats |
Below are five detailed product sections to help you compare without guesswork. Each option is described with what type of buyer it suits, why it was selected, and a practical caveat to consider.
OSEI Aviation A320 Cockpit Sunshade (Set of 4)
Best for: A320 pilots who want full cockpit coverage. This set is custom fitted to the A320 family cockpit windows, covering either the pilot or co-pilot side. For full protection, two sets are needed to cover all windows. The front shades are see-through, allowing visibility while reducing glare.
Why chosen: The kit is purpose-built for A320 cockpit windows, providing a neat, tailored fit that minimizes light gaps and enhances comfort during high-glare conditions. The dual-shade design supports flexible configurations for different seat positions.
Caution: Full coverage requires two sets to cover all windows; ensure you have enough storage space for four shades when not in use.
A320 FIRST OFFICER COCKPIT WINDOW SHADE
Best for: Pilots who need a compact, lightweight shade that travels easily in a flight bag. This option is small and portable, making it ideal as a spare or for occasional use in cross-country or training flights.
Why chosen: Its minimal footprint and ease of transport appeal to pilots who prioritize convenience and quick deployment over full cockpit coverage. The lightweight construction reduces weight in the bag without sacrificing portability.
Caution: Limited size means it may not fit larger cockpit windows or provide full glare reduction in all situations; verify fit before long-haul deployments.
B777 Cockpit Sunshade (Left and Right Seat Universal)
Best for: Boeing 777 cockpits requiring a universal, dual-seat shading solution. This shade is designed to fit both left and right seats and provides robust glare reduction for improved visibility during bright conditions.
Why chosen: The universal fit and durable construction suit operators who fly multiple configurations or want one shade system for both seats. It emphasizes effective shading and stable performance in frequent-use environments.
Caution: Universal designs may not achieve a perfect cockpit-specific seal in every window shape; check compatibility with your 777 cockpit layout before purchase.
OSEI A320 Right Seat Cockpit Sunshades (Set of 4)
Best for: Right-seat drivers (first officer position) who want a dedicated shade solution with a compact storage profile. The set folds for easy pouch storage and transport in small flight bags.
Why chosen: This set is specifically designed for the right seat, with silver reflective material on the outside and black on the inside to maximize glare reduction while maintaining interior readability. It is easy to pack away when not in use.
Caution: The right-seat focus means you may need an additional shade for the left seat if full cockpit coverage is desired.
A330 Aircraft Cockpit Sunshade (Double-Faced) (Set of 4 Shades)
Best for: A330 cockpits requiring a double-faced shade setup. The set includes four shades, designed for heavy sun exposure and glare reduction in long-haul operations.
Why chosen: For wide-body operations, a robust, double-faced shade helps manage glare from both sides and reduces cockpit heat load. It emphasizes durability and consistent performance across frequent use.
Caution: Not recommended for all airplane types; verify compatibility with your A330 cockpit window shapes before purchasing.
Buying Guide
What should I look for when choosing an aft cockpit sun shade?
Fit and compatibility are essential. Custom-fitted options deliver the best seal and glare control for specific aircraft (like A320). Universal shades offer flexibility across different cockpits but may require adjustments for a perfect fit.
Material and durability
Choose shades made from durable, light-blocking materials with reinforced seams. Silver-reflective exteriors can help reflect sunlight, while black interiors reduce glare without compromising visibility of cockpit instruments.
Portability and storage
For frequent flyers, portability matters. Lightweight shades that fold compactly or fit into a small pouch are advantageous. Consider whether you need multiple sets for full coverage or spare shades for travel.
Ease of deployment
Look for shades that install quickly and stay in place during flight. Front-panel visibility may be a priority for pilots who rely on direct sightlines, so see-through front shades can be preferable in some configurations.
Storage and organization
Consider how you’ll store shades when not in use. Some sets are designed to nest within a pouch or a dedicated cockpit storage area, which helps keep the cabin tidy and ready for the next flight.
Compatibility and coverage
Assess whether a shade set covers the left, right, or both cockpits. Full coverage often requires multiple sets; decide if you want a single-seat or dual-seat solution based on your typical flight profile.
Maintenance and cleaning
Check whether the fabric can be wiped clean and if the shades resist creasing. Easy-care maintenance contributes to longer service life in a cockpit environment.
FAQ
- Will a universal cockpit sunshade fit any aircraft? Universal shades are designed to fit multiple cockpit layouts but may not provide a perfect seal for every window shape. Verify dimensions against your cockpit before buying.
- Do I need more than one set for full cockpit coverage? Yes, some A320 and A330 configurations benefit from multiple sets to cover all required windows. Check the number of windows you need to shade.
- Are front shades always see-through? Some sets include see-through front shades for visibility, while others use opaque materials for maximum glare reduction. Review product details to confirm.
- Is portability important for pilots who travel frequently? Yes. Lighter, foldable shades stored in a pouch optimize space in flight bags and cockpit storage.
- What is the best shading approach for long-haul flights? A dual-seat, durable shade with effective UV and glare reduction helps maintain a comfortable cockpit environment across extended legs.