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Free Returns/Exchanges
Description
The sunglasses that flew to the moon. Now built for you.
Since 1958, American Optical has manufactured the Original Pilot to U.S. military specifications — the same sunglasses worn by NASA Apollo astronauts and issued to generations of U.S. Air Force pilots. Made in the USA. Built to last forever.
Why Choose the AO Original Pilot Gold Frame?
- 100% UVA/UVB Protection — Full-spectrum UV blocking for long hours in the cockpit, on the water, or in the field.
- Anti-Reflective Backside Coating — Eliminates distracting glare from behind, so your vision stays sharp in any light.
- Smudge-Resistant Oleophobic Coating — Fingerprints wipe off cleanly. No streaks, no hassle.
- Impact & Scratch Resistant — Built to ANSI Z80.3 standards. Engineered to take a beating and keep performing.
- Timeless 23K Gold Finish — A classic that never goes out of style. Worn by pilots. Loved by everyone else.
Choosing Your Lenses: Glass vs. Nylon
Not sure which lens material to pick? Here's the short version:
| SkyMaster™ Glass | AOLite™ Nylon | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Maximum optical clarity | Active use, travel |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter on your face |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Impact resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Price | +$35 | — |
Most pilots and everyday wearers prefer Glass for its unmatched optical clarity. Choose Nylon if you're active outdoors or want a lighter feel.
Polarized or Non-Polarized?
- Non-Polarized — Recommended for pilots. Polarized lenses can interfere with reading LCD cockpit instruments and make it harder to see other aircraft. If you fly, go non-polarized.
- Polarized — Ideal for driving, boating, fishing, or any activity where glare off water or roads is a factor.
Finding Your Size
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 52mm | Smaller or narrower faces |
| 55mm | Medium faces — the most popular fit |
| 57mm | Larger or wider faces |
Not sure? The 55mm is our most-ordered size and fits most adults comfortably.
What's Included
- AO Original Pilot Gold Frame Sunglasses
- Snap-Top Leather Case
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Shipping & Returns
- Ships within 1–2 business days
- Free returns within 30 days — no questions asked
- Warranty registration available after purchase
![]() Veteran-Owned & Operated Founded and run by a U.S. military veteran. We know what pilots need. |
![]() Authorized AO Eyewear Dealer Buy with confidence. Full manufacturer warranty support and hassle-free registration. |
⭐ 4.8
Trusted by Pilots Since 2002Over 20 years of expert customer support. Real people, real answers. |
How To Determine The Right Size For You
Free Returns and Exchanges
Our return and exchange policy is simple.
If, within 30 days of placing your order, and for any reason, you wish to return or exchange an item, simply let us know and we will provide you with a free return label.
If it is an exchange, we will send you a free return label and ship to you, at no cost, the item you want to exchange for.
Shipping Policy
USA SHIPPING
Please note that we process orders Monday through Friday and ship usually within 3-5 days. This is because our inventory is stored at an eFulfillment center and it takes time to process, package and ship our orders.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We currently ship to most countries through a third party processor. This means that we ship the package to a freight forwarder in the US who then ships the package to the purchasers home country.
You will be provided a tracking link to track your purchase; however, remember that it takes time to get to the forwarder, time for the forwarder to relabel the package, and then time to get to customs in your country.
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