The Airline Pilot Hat: What will become of it?

[Rez O. Lewshun]

No doubt pilots are enjoying the ability to shun their hats. It is easier and comfortable without it. Then again, being a professional isn't about being easy or comfortable.

Here is an article on the iconic doctors white coat
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/pr...ts-for-Doctors

While the argument, in the article, against the white doctors coat includes transferring germs/disease and creating anxiety in patients, these traits are not applicable to the pilot hats. In fact one could argue that the Airline Hat can reassure passengers, especially in the rare evacuation. Excerpts from the article include:

The politics of the iconic white coat runs deep in most institutions' hierarchy and tradition.

the white coat length is akin to the military stripes, representing a badge of rank.

students undergo their "white coat ceremony," a robing ritual marking students' official welcome to medicine, according to Spiegel.

The purpose of the white coat isn't simply to reinforce the pecking order. Perhaps most importantly, the white coat serves as an identifier.
"Those of us who work there can identify quickly who is and is not qualified," Spiegel said. "At my institution, if you see someone in a short coat, it's going to be a student; you wouldn't expect them to take a responsibility role in patient care, [but] more of a learning role," he says.
​

As management continues to devalue the pilot profession which includes blending us in with other airline workers as the same (such as gate agents and FAs)..... This is already being effectively done at Jetblue and Virgin America.
​

Consider:

[John Q. Public approaches an Air Line Pilot]


John Q. Public- Are you an airline pilot?
Pilot- yes, why do you ask?
JQP- it isn't as easy to recognize you guys so much, you don't wear your hats
Pilot- it isn't required like it used to be
JQP- really? as a kid growing up I could always spot you guys, now, its harder, often you just look like businessmen or even Flight Attendants.
Pilot- (sarcastic tone) How flattering, times change I guess
JQP- How come I see you guys wearing hats in the newspaper?
Pilot- what do you mean?
JQP- Well you are carrying signs and wearing hats.
Pilot- That is probably picketing.
JQP- What's that?
Pilot- That is when we get together and demonstrate for better pay and work rules.
JQP- So whats the difference?
Pilot- er, uh, I don't follow....??
JQP- Well, what is the difference between picketing and everyday? Is picketing real or just an act?
Pilot- No, its real.
JQP- Then why not be consistently genuine?
Pilot- er...... uh..... I've got a flight to catch....
​

 

[inline]

The only pilots who miss the hat are the bald ones.

 

[scoreboardII]

Consider some fictitious conversation? I think not.

Hats mean nothing. Lab coats mean something, just like the epaulets on our shirts.

You want to wear a hat, fine, you won't get grief from me.

Don't claim it's unprofessional to not wear a hat.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Consider some fictitious conversation? I think not.

Hats mean nothing. Lab coats mean something, just like the epaulets on our shirts.

Actually no. The White Doctor coat signifies qualification and at times rank. The hat indicates pilot, not FA or gate agent, and the visor leaves indicate rank.

You want to wear a hat, fine, you won't get grief from me.

Don't claim it's unprofessional to not wear a hat.

Perhaps. I am sure pilots can safely and professionally fly jets in their jogging outfit. In fact many do in the freight airlines. Many pilots that fly pax loosen or remove their ties. They still fly like a pro.

However, A Delta or any pilot showing up at the gate in a Delta Jogging Suit as a uniform just isn't going to fly. Try it.

Fact is... image is everything, if not something.

Whenever an advertising/marketing agency uses the image of an airline pilot it is done with the hat. It is the iconic symbol of an Air Line Pilot. If we lose that uniqueness then we are just airport employees and will be paid as such.....

 

[GuppyWN]

If you wear a hat and suck as a pilot and corporate representative............. are you still professional?

Lose the hat.

Gup

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

If you wear a hat and suck as a pilot and corporate representative............. are you still professional?

Lose the hat.

Gup

Even SWA on its timetables has had pilots wearing the hat. It is about image, not cockpit performance.

 

[scoreboardII]

Fact is... image is everything, if not something.

Uhhh, no.

Thats the issue, the sucky pilots are covering up their weakness with your perceived "fact" that the hat makes them oh so much superior and better.

No, hats mean nothing, get over it. I don't care if you can't fly a Delta jet without one, just curious is there a no hat sensor in the cockpit?

 

[scoreboardII]

Even SWA on its timetables has had pilots wearing the hat

Even SWA learned it means nothing if you wear a hat.

 

[skyking]

The airline hat and uniform are the only dignity an airline pilot has left. Pay,retirement and benefits have been all taken away. Maybe eventually we will all be wearing t-shirts with the airline epaulets and tie painted on them along with flip flops.

 

[thor2j]

However, A Delta or any pilot showing up at the gate in a Delta Jogging Suit as a uniform just isn't going to fly. Try it.

Fact is... image is everything, if not something.

Whenever an advertising/marketing agency uses the image of an airline pilot it is done with the hat. It is the iconic symbol of an Air Line Pilot. If we lose that uniqueness then we are just airport employees and will be paid as such.....

What about the jacket?? Delta doesn't wear those half the time.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Uhhh, no.

Thats the issue, the sucky pilots are covering up their weakness with your perceived "fact" that the hat makes them oh so much superior and better.

No, hats mean nothing, get over it. I don't care if you can't fly a Delta jet without one, just curious is there a no hat sensor in the cockpit?

Not sure your argument is valid. Your opinions are rhetorical. So we all should not wear the hat because we are doing a disservice to the poor performing pilots? How are the poor pilots covering up their performance? To whom? The pax? Only fellow pilots and check airman evaluate performance.

If the hat means nothing then why does it have an application to the "sucky" pilots?


If not the hat, then why the tie? Why not GAP khakis and a GAP polo shirt?

 

[SMcC]

I'm bald and I sure don't miss my hat.

And who in their right mind is going to be worried about their hat in an evacuation?!?!
...Indiana Jones maybe

 

[SMcC]

hat = living the dream?

...maybe in the mind of an 8 year old

 

[kman]

what about the skycaps with hats and strips?

 

[Chest Rockwell]

Wear the uniform and look professional.

If hats are optional, comply with the previous statement and wear the hat if you like. If hats are required, wear your hat and present a professional appearance with the ret of your uniform.

Hats are optional where I fly. I really don't care if the other guy wears a hat, or not. It is not a bog deal. We actually have FOs that will avoidance bid based upon the hat. What is this, seventh grade?

I am a hat guy. I usually get a complement from an FA (female) or passenger every trip regarding the hat.

The guys that wear the same shirt for four days, that is another story.

 

[Ty Webb]

Rez, you are a truly a turd-polisher of the highest order. You are so enamored with the trappings of this profession; obviously you must not be able to fly worth a crap .:laugh:

 

[J and E's Daddy]

I like to flaunt my receeding hairline. The hats look dorky. Even most Police agencies no longer have their officers wear a hat.
I think it looks ridiculous. Especially when one comes walking downstairs in the hotel lobby, and NOT in the airport, with a hat on their head.

 

[say again]

If not the hat, then why the tie? Why not GAP khakis and a GAP polo shirt?

Sort of like many corporate/charter/private pilots! Are you suggesting that they are not professional?

This whole hat debate is old. Get over it. If you want to wear one, so be it. As for standing out in an airport...who gives a rats a$$. Id rather not be bothered with the ridiculous questions that people ask anyways. And if you cant point out the pilot where its important (on the plane), then you may have some other issues you have to take of.

 

[mvedepo]

I see the Skycap's are wearing hats. I can see your point. I would much rather be confused for a Skycap (which has happened thanks to my overcoat covering my REAL uniform, but thank god I had my hat on) instead of a Flight Attendant.

http://www.jaunted.com/files/admin/skycap.png

I suggest if you don't want to be confused for a Flight Attendant get a less fancy belt buckle and just plain laced leather shoes. Then you are golden! ;-)

 

[UALRATT]

I like to flaunt my receeding hairline. The hats look dorky. Even most Police agencies no longer have their officers wear a hat.
I think it looks ridiculous. Especially when one comes walking downstairs in the hotel lobby, and NOT in the airport, with a hat on their head.

It could just be the shape of your head. Not all are created for hats you know or is it the other way around. Therein usually lies the anguish to wearing the hat.

Face it. Long after you're gone the HAT will live on...

.

 

[Whataburger]

If we get rid of the hat how is alpa gonna show that they are really, really mad?

 

[Whataburger]

There's always stickers!!!

 

[Dan Roman]

Whataburger, With all do respect do you have have clue how it sounds for a SWA pilot bashing ALPA sounds?
Through all the ups and down of this industry, if not for ALPA and the work they have done over the years, we would all be much worse off, including SWA pilots.
There really is very little difference between ALPA and SWAPA. They are both just the vehicle for pilots to be organized and try to do what is best for everyone they represent.

 

[waveflyer]

This isn't a alpa/ Swapa debate- let's not do that.
Thoughts on the hat: (not to be confused w/ me caring too much either way)

1- 40's and 50's style carried on this long? The tradition started with style...
2- if we're going w/ 40's tradition, then it's rude to wear a hat indoors- why are we wearing them in the terminal? Mil guys can tell me if they wear their hats inside

I'm the one that thinks that it shows leadership when I don't place myself "above" the FAs, CSAs, and rampers- everywhere I've worked, I will load bags, carry up strollers, clean the cabin, and push wheelchairs- I'll also take care of my fellow workers in whatever way I can- coffee, food, chocolate- an orgasm for the occasional hot FA or pilot- spell them for a break if it's legal- Im not "above" any of that and in fact take a lot of pride in that sort of work - Leadership does matter- and know that it is, for lack of a less corny word, inspirational in whatever small way to the rest of my team-
I'm pretty sure that one thoughtful look at the flight deck and noone's confused about my education and professionalism.

I will show up to work with uniform pressed, and a calm thoughtful mind- but always ready to get dirty in order to serve my customers and get the job done.

You can argue with that if you like- but I'll probably be the one out-performing you, so that's ok with me. Professionalism is a total package of demeanor, hard work, competency, and appearance- I'll take all 4- and in that mix, the hat doesn't register tremendously high on that list when my bosses have deemed it optional.

And I REALLY don't think the hat being optional is a root cause on ANY level for any substandard pay anywhere.

 

[DIAMONDDD]

Man, am I glad the really, really important things are targeted for improving the profession.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Can you truly be a professional ALPA official without a cheesy 70's mustache?

 

[eaglesview]

I have to agree with most of what waveflyer has said. I work for an airline where. as a political move, the company made the hat optional. Wwhy wouldn't they. I think they were in there office and celebrated when we, UAL ALPA, degraded our own uniform. "Oh look the pilots want to lower the standard they had for years."
I also work for a company where we switch back end crews almost every flight. During the winter when we are all wearing coats, nobody can tell who is who until we sit down in our respective seats. This forum is full of disgruntled people that don't care about the profession. That's fine it's your life. I for one think three things should stay constant
1. You want paid like a professional, look like one.
2. You want the public to have any degree of respect for you, look the part.
3. DO NOT allow scumbags like Glen Tilton lower your own level of professionalism. Is that the attitude that got you the job? If you allow that, he wins.

In the end, I personally opt to wear the hat.

 

[jhill]

No doubt pilots are enjoying the ability to shun their hats. It is easier and comfortable without it. Then again, being a professional isn't about being easy or comfortable.

Here is an article on the iconic doctors white coat
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/pr...ts-for-Doctors

While the argument, in the article, against the white doctors coat includes transferring germs/disease and creating anxiety in patients, these traits are not applicable to the pilot hats. In fact one could argue that the Airline Hat can reassure passengers, especially in the rare evacuation. Excerpts from the article include:

As management continues to devalue the pilot profession which includes blending us in with other airline workers as the same (such as gate agents and FAs)..... This is already being effectively done at Jetblue and Virgin America.
​

Consider:

[John Q. Public approaches an Air Line Pilot]


John Q. Public- Are you an airline pilot?
Pilot- yes, why do you ask?
JQP- it isn't as easy to recognize you guys so much, you don't wear your hats
Pilot- it isn't required like it used to be
JQP- really? as a kid growing up I could always spot you guys, now, its harder, often you just look like businessmen or even Flight Attendants.
Pilot- (sarcastic tone) How flattering, times change I guess
JQP- How come I see you guys wearing hats in the newspaper?
Pilot- what do you mean?
JQP- Well you are carrying signs and wearing hats.
Pilot- That is probably picketing.
JQP- What's that?
Pilot- That is when we get together and demonstrate for better pay and work rules.
JQP- So whats the difference?
Pilot- er, uh, I don't follow....??
JQP- Well, what is the difference between picketing and everyday? Is picketing real or just an act?
Pilot- No, its real.
JQP- Then why not be consistently genuine?
Pilot- er...... uh..... I've got a flight to catch....
​

Get a life.

 

[SFR]

Even SWA learned it means nothing if you wear a hat.

True, I bet they left their hats in the cockpit when they ran off the end of those runways.

 

[Gas Man]

I wear my hat during the entire flight with my headset over the top. I've gotten a lot of comments from flight attendants and I seem to get more respect.