Sunscreen & Sunglasses are a Must for Pilots

The dangers of sun exposure are well-documented and understood by most people. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have both short- and long-term effects, including an increased risk of skin cancer and eye damage.

Article photo by Nicolas Jossi on Unsplash


Have you ever returned from a day of flying and felt your skin was warm but not burnt? A study by the FAA found that most commercial aircraft windshields made of laminated composite glass block most UVB radiation.

“UVB, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tends to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging.” – Skin Cancer Foundation

However, the same FAA study revealed that most commercial aircraft windshields made of laminated composite glass do not block UVA radiation.

“UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging). Until recently, scientists believed it did not cause significant damage in areas of the epidermis where most skin cancers occur. Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.” – Skin Cancer Foundation

A Hidden Danger on the Flight Deck

You would never sit for hours on the beach without sunscreen, yet many pilots are unaware of the similar dangers of prolonged sun exposure on a flight deck. According to the FAA study, UV intensity increases by 15% for every 3,000 feet of altitude and is double that of the Earth’s surface between 31,000 and 41,000 feet.

The study also noted that “hazardous exposure to naturally occurring UV and visible radiation is most likely to occur when flying over a thick cloud layer or a snow field with the sun at its zenith. Snow reflects 85% of visible and UV radiation, while clouds can reflect up to 80%.”

A report in JAMA Dermatology stated that flying at 30,000 feet for just under an hour exposes pilots to the same amount of radiation as 20 minutes in a tanning bed—and the exposure is even greater when flying over clouds or snow.

Protect Yourself

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