Pilot IFR Training Products

Foggles and view limiting devices for instrument training

A view limiting device is the single piece of gear that makes instrument training possible. It narrows what you can see to the instrument panel and blocks your view out the windows, recreating the lost outside reference of flight in the clouds so you can practice attitude instrument flying in clear, safe conditions. Whether you call them foggles, a hood, or simply IFR training glasses, every device on this page is designed to log simulated instrument time with a safety pilot or instructor while you build toward the instrument rating and stay proficient afterward.

Compare IFR view limiting devices at a glance

Types of view limiting devices

Glasses-style foggles

Foggles and similar IFR training glasses use frosted or shaded lenses that leave the lower instrument panel clear while blocking the upper field of view. They sit close to the face like sunglasses, take only a second to put on, and are the style most instructors and examiners are used to seeing. Clip-on options such as the ASA Overcasters attach to frames you already wear, and flip-up designs like the Jeppesen Shades let you raise the lenses to restore an outside view between maneuvers.

Hood-style devices

A hood, sometimes called an IFR hood, is a visor or shroud that fits over the head and extends past the brow, mechanically limiting your view to the panel rather than fogging the lenses. The ASA Jiffyhood is designed to fit over eyeglasses and work alongside your headset. Hoods generally restrict outside vision more aggressively than foggles, which is why some instructors prefer them for disciplined scan training.

Brands we carry

This collection spans the brands instrument instructors recommend most. Foggles popularized the frosted-lens training glasses that gave the category its nickname. Jeppesen offers the flip-up Jeppesen Shades. ASA produces both the clip-on Overcasters and the over-glasses Jiffyhood. BLOCKALLS, from MJ Modica, is a modern view limiting device built as an alternative to traditional foggles and hoods. Carrying several brands and styles lets you match the device to your eyewear, your headset, and your instructor's preference.

How to choose the right view limiting device

Start with fit and field of view. A device should block your view of the horizon and outside the aircraft while leaving the full instrument panel readable, and it has to clear your headset and any prescription glasses you wear. If you fly in glasses, look at over-glasses options like the Jiffyhood or clip-on Overcasters. Next, weigh comfort and ease of use: a flip-up design such as the Jeppesen Shades makes it simple to transition between visual and simulated instrument segments, while frosted foggles are the lightest and least obtrusive once they are on. Finally, ask your CFII or designated examiner what they prefer, since the device you train with is the one you will wear on the practical test. When you are ready to study, build out your kit with instrument rating training materials, ACS, PTS, and oral exam guides for checkride prep, and a flight computer from our wider flight training and ground school catalog.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

• Aviation only: we sell pilot gear and nothing else, so our team knows the difference between foggles, hoods, and clip-on training glasses.
• Instructor-trusted brands: Foggles, Jeppesen, ASA, and BLOCKALLS, the devices CFIIs and examiners see every day.
• Trusted for 25-plus years: thousands of student and instrument pilots rely on Pilot Mall for training gear.
• Free U.S. shipping over $100: stock up on your full instrument training kit and qualify.
• Expert guidance: talk to people who fly before you buy. Click any product for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are foggles used for in pilot training?

Foggles are view limiting glasses used in instrument training to block a pilot's view outside the aircraft while leaving the instrument panel visible. They simulate flight in clouds during clear weather, letting a student practice attitude instrument flying and instrument scan safely with a safety pilot or instructor on board.

What is a view limiting device?

A view limiting device is any piece of gear, such as foggles, a hood, or clip-on training glasses, that restricts a pilot's vision to the instrument panel and blocks the view outside. It recreates the lost outside reference of instrument meteorological conditions so pilots can train and log simulated instrument time in visual weather.

Are foggles legal for the instrument rating checkride?

Yes. A view limiting device such as foggles or a hood is required for the simulated instrument portions of the instrument practical test. The examiner expects you to bring your own device, so train with the one you plan to use and confirm it works with your headset and glasses beforehand.

Foggles vs. hood: which is better for IFR training?

Both work, and the choice comes down to fit and preference. Foggles are lighter and faster to put on, while a hood restricts outside vision more aggressively and clears glasses and headsets more easily. Many pilots try both, then train with whichever your instructor recommends and you find most comfortable.

Can you wear foggles over prescription glasses?

Some can. Standard foggles sit close to the face and may not fit over larger frames, so pilots who wear glasses often choose clip-on devices like the ASA Overcasters or an over-glasses hood such as the ASA Jiffyhood. Check the product details for fit with your specific eyewear before ordering.

Do you need a view limiting device to log simulated instrument time?

Yes. To log simulated instrument flight, you must wear a view limiting device while a qualified safety pilot or instructor watches outside. The device ensures you are flying solely by reference to instruments, which is the condition that lets you legally record the time toward instrument experience and currency.