Why Airplane Sunshades Are a Smart Investment

Extreme heat and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can have a damaging effect on both pilots and aircraft.

Whether on the ground or while flying, window shades can assist with heat protection, sun glare reduction, as well as pilot and aircraft interior care. As a result, cockpit sun protection should be a priority for every pilot and aircraft owner.

Quick Look: 6 Best Sunshades for Aircraft

Best for easy storage and transport: Flight Gear Collapsible Pilot Sunshades
Best for ease of use: Kinder Fluff Window Shades
Best for on-the-go airplane protection: Travel Canopy Aircraft Cover
Best for outdoor storage airplane protection: Aircraft Canopy Cover
Best for custom fit: Custom Aircraft Heatshield
Best for general aviation aircraft use: Aircraft Windshield Sunshade

Choose the Best Sun Protection for You and Your Airplane

The following list explores some of the best aircraft sun shields on the market:

Flight Gear Collapsible Pilot Sunshades

Best for: Easy storage and transport

The Flight Gear Collapsible Sunshades are the ultimate portable shade solution for pilots and their aircraft. The shades are designed to be collapsible and hassle-free to install, ensuring instant relief from the sun’s rays. Crafted from top-quality UV-resistant materials, these sunshades serve as a shield against the sun’s harmful effects. Pilots can enjoy not only a cool cabin but also the peace of mind that their airplane’s interior is protected from fading and heat damage.

Features:

Size: Two 20 inches by 12 inches”
Included accessories: Storage bag
Additional features: Semi-transparent; affordable; easy installation; lightweight, twist and fold closure type

Disadvantages:

The sunshades may not cover all window sizes and shapes perfectly, potentially leaving some areas exposed to sunlight.
While made from UV-resistant materials, the long-term durability of the sunshades under constant exposure to sunlight and varying temperatures may be a concern.

Price: $14.95

Kinder Fluff Window Shades

Best for: Ease of use

The Kinder Fluff Window Shades come in a pack of four and each pack is designed to fit most large to jumbo size cockpit windows, including side windows. The shades are quick and easy to apply, using a windshield friendly adhesive material. These foldable shades are certified and proven to block 99.95 percent of UV radiation.

Features:

Size: Four 25 inches by 16 inches
Included accessories: Storage pouch
Additional features: Semi-transparent; affordable; certified sun protection; easy installation; lightweight frame; premium stitching; twist and fold closure type

Disadvantages:

● The sunshades may not cover all window sizes and shapes perfectly, potentially leaving some areas exposed to sunlight.

● Some users find the semi-transparent shades too dark, therefore, Kinder Fluff offers an additional four-pack option, which consists of two semi-transparent and two transparent shades for the areas where visibility may be more important.

Price: $18.95

Travel Canopy Aircraft Cover

Best for: On-the-go airplane protection

The Travel Canopy Aircraft Cover is an effective way to keep the aircraft windshield clean, the aircraft interior protected, and the aircraft cabin cooler. The cover is great for day trips, fly-ins, or longer cross-countries. It can be installed in seconds and rolled up for easy storage.

Features:

Size: Six sizes available – low wing, two-seat, side-by-side; low wing, two-seat, tandem; low wing, larger two-seat/some four-seat side-by-side; high wing, two-seat, side-by-side; high wing, two-seat, tandem; high wing, four-seat, side-by-side
Included accessories: Carrying bag
Additional features: Lightweight; quick installation; built-in fastening system; easy roll-up storage

Disadvantages:

While these covers are excellent for occasional use, they are not designed for everyday outdoor storage; for more regular use, consider the Aircraft Canopy Cover.
This cover does not allow for easy access into the cockpit while it is installed, therefore, a more portable sunshade solution may be necessary when pilots and passengers are present in the aircraft.

Price: As low as $239

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Aircraft Canopy Cover

Best for: Outdoor storage airplane protection

The Aircraft Canopy Cover is best used for outdoor aircraft storage protection. The cover helps reduce damage to the airplane’s upholstery and avionics caused by excessive heat, and it can eliminate problems caused by leaking door and window seals. Each cover is made with silver acrylic sunbrella and is lined with soft, smooth microfiber.

Features:

Size: Aircraft make and model specific, including Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Mooney, and Piper
Included accessories: Duffle bag
Additional features: Custom made; easy to installation; built-in fastening system; personalization available

Disadvantages:

This cover does not allow for easy access into the cockpit while it is installed, therefore, a more portable sunshade solution may be necessary when pilots and passengers are present in the aircraft.
Due to the custom nature of the cover, delivery may take up to three weeks.

Price: Aircraft make and model specific, plus $35 for personalization

Custom Aircraft Heatshield

Best for: Custom fit

The Custom Aircraft Heatshield is made to perfectly fit the front windshield of an aircraft, effectively blocking most of the harmful, heat producing sunlight. This interior reflector is made of a special laminate of metallized polyester film and closed cell foam. Less than an eighth-inch thick, the reflector can be easily rolled up and stored in a sleeve.

Features:

Size: Aircraft make and model specific, including Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Mooney, and Piper
Included accessories: Storage bag; Velcro or suction cups, if necessary for some designs
Additional features: Lightweight; easy to install; easy storage

Disadvantages:

While effective in the short term, heat shields are not a substitute for a more practical and long-term storage protection solution, like the Aircraft Canopy Cover.
Due to the custom nature of the heatshield, delivery may take up to three weeks.

Price: $110

Aircraft Windshield Sunshade

Best for: General aviation aircraft use

The Aircraft Windshield Sunshade was designed for a select group of general aviation aircraft models. The sunshade reflects most of the radiant heat coming through the front windshield, leaving the aircraft interior cool, while also preserving the interior fabrics and safeguarding the avionics against damaging heat. The sunshade is hand-cut from windshield patterns, guaranteeing a perfect fit. Each sunshade is also hand-sewn with a supple, protective black cloth to support the friction wedge fit of the product.

Features:

Size: Aircraft make and model specific, including Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cessna 206, Cirrus SR 22, and Piper PA28 Cherokee
Included accessories: Storage bag
Additional features: Lightweight; easy to install; custom made

Disadvantages:

The sunshade only covers the front windshield, not any of the side windows.
Customers have reported that over time the sunshade has caused “feather scratches” on the windshield when directly in contact with the glass.

Price: $170

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sunshade

Choosing the right sunshade for you and your airplane involves considering several key factors. By taking these factors into account, you can select a sunshade that best meets your needs and enhances your experience:

Aircraft Type and Size

Select a sunshade designed for your specific aircraft model to allow the custom-fit to provide optimal interior coverage and asset protection.

Climate and Sun Exposure

When operating in regions with hot temperatures and high UV ray exposure rates, look for sunshades that block a high percentage of UV rays.

Durability

Choose a sunshade made from high-quality materials that can withstand the exposure to sunlight over time without degrading.

Ease of Installation and Removal

Sunshades that are easy to install and remove save valuable time, allowing for quicker turnaround times between flights.

Maintenance and Care

Dust, dirt, and stains can accumulate on the surface of a shade over time. Therefore, consider the maintenance and care necessary to keep the shade functional and looking sharp over time.

Budget

Consider your budget when choosing a sunshade. Although generic fits don’t often provide total protection from sun exposure, they do cost significantly less than custom fit products.

Choose Your Aircraft Sunshade Today

Cockpit sun protection should be a priority for every pilot and aircraft owner. This carefully curated list of aircraft sunshades explored some of the best products on the market. Let’s add one of them to your list of necessary aviation accessories today.

FAQs

How do sunshades work?

Sunshades are constructed from reflective materials to keep the temperature cooler inside the cockpit, making it more comfortable for its occupants. They are also a protective barrier designed to block out the sun’s harmful rays from reaching the interior of an airplane and its occupants.

Are sunshades worth it?

Yes, sunshades are a smart investment that ensures temperature control, as well as pilot and aircraft interior protection. Sunshades should be on the list of necessary aviation accessories for any pilot and aircraft owner.

Can I attach a sunshade to an aircraft?

Yes, some sunshades come with mounting devices (e.g., suction cups, mounting clips) and/or straps, while others have a built-in adhesive that allows them to attach directly to the windshield. It is important to note, however, that any attachment may cause damage to the windshield and/or aircraft and must be installed with care.

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