View Limiting Device aka Foggles - Northstar Aviation

The View Limiting Device, commonly known as Foggles, is a fundamental tool for student pilots learning how to fly solely by instruments. Whether you love them or hate them, foggles are essential for developing the skills necessary to handle low-visibility conditions. These goggle-style view-limiting devices are designed to obscure everything from view except for the airplane's instrument panel. This allows pilots to focus on their instruments and hone their instrument flying skills in a safe, controlled environment. By training with foggles on, you build confidence in your ability to fly using instruments, which is crucial for flying in low-visibility or instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Foggles are indispensable for any flight training program, as they help students practice maintaining control and situational awareness while relying entirely on instruments, a skill that will help immensely during your instrument training and checkrides. The View Limiting Device comes with adjustable stems, making it suitable for most pilots, and it includes a protective soft-cloth bag for safe storage when not in use.

Whether you are a student pilot just starting or an experienced aviator looking to brush up on your instrument skills, foggles are a must-have in your flight bag. They are an affordable and effective way to improve your instrument flying proficiency and prepare for real-world flying scenarios.

When Do Pilots Need Foggles?

View-limiting devices are commonly used during private pilot and instrument rating training to simulate instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). By restricting your outside visibility, foggles help you develop the ability to control the aircraft solely by reference to its instruments.

They're especially useful when practicing basic attitude instrument flying, unusual attitude recoveries, instrument approaches, and other IFR procedures.

Instrument-rated pilots can also use foggles to maintain instrument currency under simulated conditions. When conducting simulated instrument flight in an aircraft, a qualified safety pilot or instructor must occupy the other control seat.

Although a specific brand of foggles isn't required by the FAA, a suitable view-limiting device is a valuable piece of equipment for instrument training, checkride preparation, and maintaining proficiency.