Last night I was on a commercial flight coming into SFO when the pilot announced that we had a problem with the landing gear indicator. We circled and flew over the tower and they looked at the bottom of the plane; the wheels appeared to be down, but the crew was taking no chances and told us to assume the "brace" position when we landed, and to be prepared to evacuate. The flight attendants gave us a quick review of the pertinent details of the safety card, and it was quite impressive how much more we paid attention this time around compared with the pre-takeoff presentation. (One of the flight attendants quipped, "and I bet you thought these safety cards were boring.") We landed without difficulty, and everyone did well: pilot, crew, AND passengers. There was a large group of fire trucks and emergency vehicles off to the side of the field with all their lights flashing.

Two points:
1) We were instructed to remove our glasses and put them away before landing/sliding/crashing, since they could fly off or get smashed against our faces. Like all other good ETSers, no doubt, I have mentally rehearsed opening the exit door, bravely leaping down the chute using the proper technique, and then assisting all the admiring passengers who follow after me. In my fantasy, however, I neglected to work in the factor that without my glasses, I'd be lucky not to miss the escape chute altogether. I don't know how often these landing gear problems happen, but I'll probably add some kind of glasses case to my airplane EDC.

2) The person next to me didn't get the implications of the pilot's announcement right away. I suggested that "if I were you, I'd put on my shoes right now." After the crew explained what it could mean (and we were a few hundred feet above sea level), my neighbor asked me if we would be using the oxygen masks. Don't laugh - in stressful situations, people don't always think logically, and the average person doesn't necessarily understand the things that the folks on this board do. We need to be aware of that when we communicate with them.

"... in stressful situations, people don't always think logically, and the average person doesn't necessarily understand the things that the folks on this board do. We need to be aware of that when we communicate with them."

That is very true. Just because WE know something (like oxygen isn't necessary unless you're over 10,000 feet), doesn't mean everyone knows it.

And when the flight attendant says to cross your arms over your chest when you slide down an evac shute, it's to keep your fingers from being ripped off on the way down if you get near the sidewalls.

Nobody knows everything.

Sue

I have a very "non-stylish" pair of glasses which always travels in my personal kit with me that are perfect for these types of situations. Since gas masks and protective masks are not EFF (Elmer Fudd Friendly), I bought a special pair of glasses which would not compromise the seal between my face and a protective mask. Consists of folding black plastic frames, but instead of the earpieces it has a wraparound flat rubber headstrap. Stays on securely, and it passes the mask test. An added bonus - I can wear them while swimming underwater and still see!! Lightweight, tough, and doesn't occupy much space in a kit.

Hi Randyo

I like the sound of those glasses, got any links or names for them.

Like other glasses wearers I'm conscientious that if I loose my "bins" I'll be seriously disadvantaged. I'd been looking at those "pen case" type glasses that can be found in airports for reading and asked if my optician can adapt them to my perscription. Well he doesn't stock those items and the smallest he had weren't what I had in mind as a backup pair. I wear my glasses all the time and I have'nt really gotten used to carrying a glasses case, just seem too big.

I just explained to my Optometrist what I needed and this is what she recommended. The relevant markings are "Criss" and Z87. Googling this resulted in the following URL which may be of some assistance:
EFF Frames

Oh - did you want a photo?:

Nice photos. Gosh darn ugly glasses, though. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> (From an eyeglass wearer)

Did you get polycarbonate lenses for them?

Wow, those are sure to chase the girls away. :P

Any idea what those frames ran?

I have to concur with Arney, those are not prettiest pair I seen, but for the role they have to play I'll take ugly over blind.

What kind of case comes with them any, look like they can lie pretty flat.

Can't see how you can swim with them though as you need the air space to look through.

1. Yes - they have polycarbonate lenses. No special case came with them - I just chose the standard soft pouch, although it is overkill. I could easily find something smaller if I looked around.

2. Yes - they are BUTT Ugly! But - I bought them to wear inside a gas mask, so BUTT UGLY is a relative term when you're looking like an Ant-Man from the center of the moon.

3. I don't remember the price, but as I recall it wasn't any worse than normal plastic lenses.

4. I did not buy them for use as a scuba mask. They just give me the ability to see as well under water as someone with "normal" vision would have. When you have trouble seeing the BIG characters on the eye chart, you need all the help you can get. You don't want to grab the wrong bikini - you might get slapped.

Brigage Quartermasters (Kennesaw, GA) sells those frames as the Mag-1 Combat Glasses. Here's a link to their web page. Search for them by name. They sell for something under $40, generally.

Comes with a lens grinding template. You then take them to your optician & have them make lenses to fit in your prescription.

David