Best Sunshades for 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.

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

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.

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Price: $14.95

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.

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●     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

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.

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Price: As low as $239

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.

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

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.

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Price: $110

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.

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Price: $170

Best for: Business jets

The Jet Shades Cruising Shades are the pilot's solution to hot, sunny business jet cockpits. These shades are lightweight, custom-fit, removable sun shade panels that protect pilots, passengers, and aircraft interiors against the sun's damaging solar radiation. They block 99.9% of harmful UV rays and reduce sun glare by 70%.

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Price: $599

Best for: Airliner use

The Airspeed Junkie Cockpit Shade is a larger shade that provides better coverage than most manufacturer-installed sun shades in modern airline cockpits. It blocks harmful UV rays, offering ultimate sun protection. While the shade is not officially approved for airline use, it does work well when parked at the gate to keep the temperature down between flights.

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Price: $19.99

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:

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.