Original Pilot

$220 - $305

Frame Color: Silver

Lens Color: True-Color™ Gray

Size Size Guide

Lens Type

Polarized

Free US Shipping & Returns

- Bayonet temples slide easily under helmets or headgear
- Worn by U.S. military pilots and Apollo astronauts
- Gold frames feature 23K gold plating
- Made in the USA from premium global components

Formerly known as the FG-58, Original Pilot aviator sunglasses were first developed in 1958 for the needs of American military pilots. By 1969, they had been to the moon as part of the survival kits of all Apollo astronauts. Still made in the USA from premium global components, still engineered to rigid military specifications, these aviator sunglasses are built to last. Engineered for comfort, bayonet-style temples allow you to remove your glasses without taking off a helmet or other headgear.

Free U.S. shipping and 30-day returns: All orders ship free within the U.S., and customers can return or exchange items at no cost within 30 days - making it risk-free to try AO.
Fast, reliable delivery: Orders ship via UPS within 3-5 business days, with expedited options available for quicker delivery.
Check our Shipping & Return policies.

“These will make sure to stay in place when you're flying — driving, rather.”

– HiConsumption

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Frequently Asked

The Original Pilot (originally named the FG-58) was issued to Gemini and Apollo astronauts as part of their survival kits. The standard issue specs were 52mm gold frames with Calobar green glass lenses and bayonet temples.
Pilots should consult their employer for lens recommendations. Often polarized lenses are not recommended as they can interfere with LCD control panels. Please email us at contact@aoeyewear.com if you need further information.
In preparation for relaunching aoeyewear.com in August of 2020 and beginning to offer new AO styles, we have been working hard to elevate the product offering in many ways. We have upgraded the materials that go into each frame, upgraded tooling, and upgraded the manufacturing process. Pricing has gone up to reflect these changes of what we know to be vastly improved products that we are proud to offer and carry on the legacy of AO for future generations.

Customer Reviews

Trusted reviews by

4.8

Based on 96 review(s)

⚲

Rating🢓

Robert L.

Verified Buyer

Silver Matt Sunglasses

The green shade is on the dark side which is sunglasses are all about. Great glasses.

12/18/25

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Nechama

Verified Buyer

Perfect eye wear in all conditions

Absolutely amazing! I am a primary school teacher and my pair of AO pilots has been through a LOT. They've been dropped, stepped on, kicked, then dropped some more- still good as new! Love owning them! Hard to come around a quality product like this anymore.

12/18/25

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WALTER T.

Verified Buyer

Been wearing AO pilot sunglasses since 1986! I wish you guys petition the War Department to put them back in the exchanges. It is a shame why the military will not sell US made sunglasses in the NEX/PX stores. ulteititon si

Sometimes the frames become loose, and it is difficult to tighten them. Can't find a local store that carry AO to fix the problem. But I like them. The style never gets old!

12/18/25

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Troy N.

Verified Buyer

Satisfied customer!

Thank you, love them!

12/18/25

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tristam s.

Verified Buyer

beautiful. and a suggestion

AS they're not imported into my country, AO is the only place that I can buy one of my standards. And there seems to be a great many options beyond the HGU-4/P too! One disappointment: the new serif AO monogram is not represented accurately in the manufacture of the glasses. If I compare the moulding/stamping of the sans-serif monogram from my older pair with the new serif monogram, the lower quality is clear. That's disappointing to note in an otherwise unique (who can say that these days?), premium priced product. I hope your graphic designers speak to your industrial designers!

12/18/25

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Original Pilot

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Frequently Asked

What size/specs of the Original Pilot was issued to NASA astronauts?

What is the best lens for a pilot?

Why has the pricing of the Original Pilot and General changed?

Customer Reviews

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