Recommended Hoods/Foggles?

[tgrayson]

The only requirement for foggles in the FARs is during a practical test. As long as your instructor is satisfied that you aren't looking out the windows, you are fine.

Not really true. An FAA Letter of Interpretation, Carr, 1984, declares that

"Simulated" instrument conditions occur when the pilot's vision outside of the aircraft is intentionally restricted, such as by a hood or goggles.
​

This seems to close down the idea that the pilot can elect simply to not look outside.

While no longer having any legal standing, the old Part 61 FAQ's provided more explicit guidance:

QUESTION: The question continues to surface among the flight instructors as to what is acceptable “vision restriction”. Some instructors are saying that no vision restriction is required if the instructor or examiner determines that no vision restriction is necessary even though the training is accomplished as “simulated instrument conditions”. The other condition is the use of a “ball cap” or “the agreement by the student that he will not look outside”, with the obvious question being, is either of these methods considered to be suitable “restriction to outside references”? I was told today that Flight Safety does not use any vision restriction device in Jets even though simulated instrument conditions are required by the PTS.

ANSWER: Ref: §§ 61.45(d)(2) and 61.51(g); FAA Order 8700.1, vol. 2, page 1-12; FAA Order 8400.10, vol. III, page 3-270 and vol. V, page, 5-88; The only specific rule reference to what constitutes what is acceptable “vision restriction” is addressed in § 61.45(d)(2) [i.e., “(2) A device that prevents the applicant from having visual reference outside the aircraft, but does not prevent the examiner from having visual reference outside the aircraft, and is otherwise acceptable to the Administrator.]. Emphasis added “. . . A device that prevents the applicant from having visual reference outside the aircraft.” And per FAA Order 8700.1, vol. 2, page 1-12, paragraph 15.B. it states “During the practical test for an instrument rating or other ratings requiring a demonstration of instrument proficiency, the applicant must provide equipment, satisfactory to the inspector, which prevents flight by visual reference.”

Now in reference to your question/statement “. . . does not use any vision restriction device . . .” Per § 61.51(g)(1), it states “A person may log instrument time only for that flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.” So, in order to log instrument flight time the pilot must be utilizing a view-limiting device. Except for when a pilot is operating an aircraft solely by reference to instruments in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), how else could a pilot comply with § 61.51(g)(1) for logging instrument flight time [i.e., “. . . when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.”] unless the pilot was utilizing a view limiting device! So the answer is, in order to log instrument flight time for simulated instrument flight a person must be utilizing a view-limiting device. A promise by the applicant to not look outside the aircraft is not acceptable. And neither is the use of an ordinary ball cap, unless there is view limiting attachments to the bill of the cap that prevents the applicant from having visual reference outside the aircraft.

 

[Lesliev767]

I have continued to teach ever since I got into the Regional's, and with 1000+ hours in Instrument Instruction alone, I have seen all the products and contraptions mentioned. The hood looks like you just came out of the Vets office, the Foggles hurt the bridge of your nose and ears and the sun makes your eyes tear up. The Jepp Shades visor no longer stays up after the hinges get worn and they all give a very genorous view out the window. In addition none of these products are easy to put on in flight as you must take your headset off to wear exchange controls and so on. what a waste of time!

My students now only use blockalls and have found them to be the best in confining the view to only the instrument panel. Seems to me all the claims made by the Co, are true. I liked them so much I contacted them to see if I could get a discount by purchasing a handful at a discount price. I now sell them to my students at the discounted price that way they can save some $$ too. Which ever ones you go with best of luck with your instrument training it certainly will make you a better pilot.