Every airline has folks that don't like the hats and try not to wear them. But for my friends at ASA, consider this.
The pilots from ASA have had success getting hired in large numbers at DAL, FedEx, UPS, CAL, AirTran and other good operators because the perception amongst managers at these airlines that ASA pilots handle themselves well. ASA has an excellent training program and some of the ASA pilots have recieved publicity for their professionalism and doing a great job under adverse circumstances. The image of ASA pilots helps ASA pilots.
I understand not wanting to wear the hat when you are not included as part of the "team" and management craps on you. But, you simply need to rise to a higher professional standard than the rest of the operation.
This includes web boards. A debate on uniform attire, or even worse, IPOD usage while in 121 operations, should be kept in the crew room.
I think ASA pilots are pretty well respected and these sorts of debates have the potential to lower the esteem that ASA pilots are percieved to have earned.
It is a long winded elaboration of PCL's point, but in there is a little Disney in every passenger carrier operation. Being professional includes looking like the character the passengers expect to see.
Would anyone show up at a UPS interview and insult the brown? Would you tell Delta that double breasted is dorky and inconvenient to button? ASA is an airline job just like any of these.
