About Us

Welcome to Aviator Sunglasses, a website dedicated to providing the best-performing aviator sunglasses in the world.

Over the years I have not only researched the best of the best when it comes to sunglasses for pilots and outdoor sportsmen, but I actually wear them myself.

I am dedicated to providing the very best personal experience to present and future owners of Randolph Engineering, AO Eyewear, Scheyden, Flying Eyes, and Ranger shooting sunglasses.

Today, personal interaction with a product or website has been replaced by AI, but here we are determined to continue to provide the personal service all of our current and future customers deserve.

Whether you are a pilot, a sport shooting enthusiast, or just love great sunglasses, we have the products and services you will come to appreciate and love.

As a small business we don't have a large staff, nor do we use AI to create our product listings and blog posts or handle our communication with customers.

Instead, you will deal directly with me most of the time, and I am always happy to reply to your messages or chat with you on the telephone.

Our Founder

Aviator Sunglasses was created in 2007 by myself, John M. White, a veteran, MSU graduate, and ATP pilot. 

Since I was a young boy I have always been fascinated by airplanes and aviation.

I remember going to the Monroe County Fair and seeing my first airplane up and personal.

It was a V-Tail Beech Bonanza that someone had put on a rotating platform with its red collision light flashing in the dusk light. 

In an instant, I knew I had to learn how to fly one of those!

Growing up I watched Sky King and Arthur Godfrey on tv flying airplanes.

After I graduated from high school, I entered the USAF and finally got my pilot's license while based in San Angelo, Texas.

My first exposure to aviator sunglasses was at the base PX where I discovered the  AO Original Pilot sunglasses and AO Generals which sold for about $ 20.00 a pair!

My Aviation Career

After I left the USAF in 1965, I enrolled at Michigan State University to get my bachelor's degree, and much to my surprise MSU had a very active flying club called "The Winged Spartans".

Naturally, I joined, and over the course of the next 4 years, I acquired a Commercial Pilots License with Instrument and Multi-Engine aircraft ratings, as well as a Certified Flight Instructor certificate and Ground Instructor Certificate.

 After graduating from MSU, I flew for an insurance company in Battle Creek, MI, and started an aviation insurance agency called Aviation Insurance Agency, Inc. in DeWitt, MI in 1974.

That business was sold in 2004, and I decided to get my Master's Degree in business.

In 2007 I built my first website on Word Press, and Aviator Sunglasses was born.

Why Aviator Sunglasses?

As a pilot who flew many types of aircraft in several different roles of aviation I became aware of the interest pilots had in sunglasses. Many of my pilot friends found out that I was selling sunglasses online, and it became clear to me that I should focus on pilots, ex-military pilots and aviator sunglass aficienodos. 

Initially, we became Authorized Retailers for Randolph Engineering and AO Eyewear, Inc. Over the years we have developed a close working relationship with these companies by visiting their plants and learning how their products are made.

We continue to seek out and represent additional sunglass and optical companies we find to be high quality with excellent customer service and support.

We now offer prescription lens services to fit the aviator sunglass frames we sell.

From the very beginning we have been driven to create a lasting business that not only provides our customers with great products, but also the information they need to make good decisions when purchasing a new pair of sunglasses.

Becoming An Expert In Aviator Sunglasses

As an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with several type ratings I easily identify with and enjoy working with pilots and aviator sunglass enthusiasts. 

So, why would I be obsessed with Aviator Sunglasses.?

Well, I love to fly airplanes and think about flying a lot!

I am an old (not so bold) pilot and have been since 1961.

While learning to fly airplanes I discovered that other airplanes in my vicinity were hard to spot. The powerful sunlight and glare at altitude made it difficult to see them.

This is especially true for military pilots!

Convinced of the need for a quality pair of sunglasses, I visited the PX and bought my first pair of aviators - AO Original Pilots!

Back in the day they sold for about twenty bucks. Boy have things changed!

Today Randolph Engineering provides Randolph aviator sunglasses are standard issue to military pilots around the world.

They have also become a popular fashion item.

Quality Aviator Sunglasses by a Trusted, Knowledgeable & Caring Staff

Here you will find the best-in-class aviator sunglasses, all of which are sure to please.

For nearly 60 years I have been flying airplanes, and to keep flying I need to stay healthy.

As a pilot, my most important asset is my eyes.

That is why I have looked at, evaluated, and purchased a lot of sunglasses over the years.

It is important that my eyes have the best protection possible.

We really enjoy talking to our Customers.

Here is an image of our small staff:

Our most important goal is to provide Customer Centered service to anyone who wants to find out what makes a good pair of sunglasses and why.

Since I started this business I have discovered how many questions people really have about sunglasses!

It really surprised me!

So, if you have any questions about sunglasses at all, just contact us.

We will do our very best to help you.

In the meantime, keep your eyes safe and focused on what's ahead of you.