Discussion: Leather Uniform Jackets

[fatdumbandhappy]

B-777 pilot with a leather jacket = unprofessional looking
Turbo-Prop/RJ driver with a dress coat = lame

also, I wear a leather jacket (and I like it) but I feel stupid when the other pilot is wearing the dress coat, the two just don't match up.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Ah, the leather comes back to haunt you again and again!

Do you do your regular tours in the sim? Do you not practice emergencies like "Smoke in the Cockpit"? I know that it's not likely but what is going to give you more protection-and thereby more time to fight a fire- your poly/wool blazer or a leather jacket!

The poly will melt to ones skin....

 

[80for80]

How do you tell the CA with the trench coat over the blazer?

They should put stripes on the trench coat sleeves.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

They should put stripes on the trench coat sleeves.

So you don't have to wear a hat?

Who is they?

 

[PCL_128]

No way. Not even close. I just saw the Mesa windbreaker for the first time the other day. Up to that time, I just thought it was a flightinfo urban legend....

I can see how people would have a problem with the leather jacket, but a freaking WINDBREAKER???? How can a "professional" airline pilot even think of wearing something like that? YGBSM. No excuse for that one.

It's a slippery slope, my friend. First, the leather jacket. Then a windbreaker. Soon it will be no ties. Etc... Our professional image is being slowly whittled down to nothing, and we're active participants in the process!

 

[PCL_128]

I'm not sure why everyone says a trench won't keep you warm.

It's just an excuse to wear that silly looking leather jacket.

 

[Seat 0A]

The leather jackets are so cool, or maybe "neato" is a better word? I especially like the epaulets on them! When you take the epaulets off for cruising chicks at night it still has those epaulet "straps" so the girls will know you are a real pilot (in case the watch doesn't give you away first).

And what the hell is up with those sweaters with epaulets on them!?? I actually started laughing out loud passing through ORD last tour when I saw two guys walking together with them on. I would say it looked pretty gay but this is a family show.

Extra points!!: Wear your hat with either the sweater or the leather jacket. Can't believe the pilot groupies don't jump ya right in the terminal.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

It's a slippery slope, my friend. First, the leather jacket. Then a windbreaker. Soon it will be no ties. Etc... Our professional image is being slowly whittled down to nothing, and we're active participants in the process!

Adapt- change with the times....

UAL pilots wore all khaki uniforms.
Pan Am pilots wore no stripes on blazer sleeves.
Pan Am pilots hats were white.


ALPA's recent 75 year picture has an airmail pilot with flying goggles and exposure suit next to the modern day image.

More and more airlines are making leather jackets optional. And pilots are exercising that option. Reality is real regardless what you want it to be....

You can insist that the sky isn't blue.....

 

[Seat 0A]

Adapt- change with the times....

UAL pilots wore all khaki uniforms.
Pan Am pilots wore no stripes on blazer sleeves.
Pan Am pilots hats were white.

Yes Rez, you make a great point. During the airmail/barnstorming days leather was the best material available. Today we have microfibers, Teflon, etc. that is much better, lighter, and can be made into professional looking garments. Some of these garments actually cover your a$$ too! Unlike the leather jacket in Fargo in February.
So lets change with the times and dump the open cockpit look.

 

[CopilotDoug]

Pilots at the regionals have lost most everything else, does it really make a difference what they wear? That goofy @ss blazer is conveying a professional message to an audience that isn't listening and could give two sh!ts. Alot of the flying public doesn't even regard RJs as real airplanes! Let 'em wear polo shirts and jeans for all anyone cares.