Original Pilot

$250 - $345

Frame Color

Lens Color

Size Size Guide

Lens Type

Polarized

Free US Shipping & Returns

- As Seen on ABC World News Tonight

- Bayonet temples slide easily under helmets or headgear

- Worn by U.S. military pilots and Apollo astronauts

- Gold frames feature 23K plating

- Made in the USA from premium components

Original Pilot aviator sunglasses were first developed in 1958 to meet the demands of American military pilots. Formerly known as the FG‑58, this iconic design traveled to the moon in the survival kits of Apollo astronauts. Still engineered to strict military specifications, these polarized aviator sunglasses feature bayonet temples for easy wear under helmets or headgear and continue to set the standard for durable, performance‑driven aviators.

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

SkyMaster^™ Glass

Gold standard for optics
Best in class clarity for the closest thing to natural vision
Superior scratch resistance
Originally developed for pilots
100% UVA/UVB protection from harsh sunlight
Anti-reflective coating
Smudge-resistant coating
Impact-resistant (ANSI Z80.3)

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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 165 review(s)

⚲

Vdub

I still wear the 50 yr old glasses issued to me.

My first two pair were issued to me in 1976 when at USAF navigator school. I still have those two plus a couple pair I bought at the BX for $25 each. The temples are a little ratty, but still very serviceable. The lens are scratched from abuse, so I'm ordering new lens. I love AO.

07/28/26

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Thomas D.

Verified Buyer

Nice shades

Fit well on my giant head. Good for driving and in the cockpit. Hopefully the lenses are scratch resistant as I'm hard on them.

07/28/26

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Steven B.

Verified Buyer

Love them

Been wearing these for years!! Fit great even with my motorcycle helmet on

07/28/26

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Harold P.

Verified Buyer

Long time wearer

I remember when you can buy these at the base Clothing Sales for less than $30. As a former Army aviator these were standard & worked very well because of optics & ease of putting on & taking off. Even after transitioning to another branch I kept these because they’re slick. I noticed even the Tomb Guards, Aka The Old Guard sports these. I misplaced my original and I managed to still get new ones. Overall the design is basic, yet so effective. If you’re looking for fancy bling, these are not it. However if you’re looking for something solid & tested you can’t go wrong. Two thumbs up.

07/28/26

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Gerald G.

Verified Buyer