Hat issue makes it to the Media

[get2flyin]

The hat is dated. Lets face it. The high timers here seem to still revere it, which is understandable given the era they began flying the line. Not so with the younger crowd.

The hat is part of the fabric of tradition. The younger crowd doesn't seem to get it and I suppose that's how times change. Tie are uncomfortable too? Hey, let's wear polo shirts. Since every day should be casual Friday, why not shorts? One of the previous posters had it right..you want to be treated like a caddy at the golf club? Dress like one. You want to be treated like an airline pilot? Start looking at acting like one.

Rake: Not a stab at you..

 

[Captain Jeff]

You want to be treated like an airline pilot? Start looking at acting like one.

I want to be treated like a congressman, does that mean I need a powdered wig? Opps, thats out dated too.

 

[turn&pull]

I'll put my ear-bud, doc martin, backpack flying skills up against you hat guys anytime...big picture kids.

 

[Captain Jeff]

delete

 

[get2flyin]

I want to be treated like a congressman, does that mean I need a powdered wig? Opps, thats out dated too.

True, wigs are out..but what would you think if they showed up in a tee-shirt and a pair of jeans.

I'll put my ear-bud, doc martin, backpack flying skills up against you hat guys anytime...big picture kids.

You can fly without pant for all I care. What you look like in the crew room or cockpit is up to you. I'm suggesting that in public it may not hurt to convey an image of a professional. THAT is the big picture. Ask some guy off the street if pilots wear hats, and he would probably say yes. We're lucky to be perceived as professionals. Let's try not to screw that up.

 

[Pistonpilot]

I always felt like a dork wearing the hat. Not to mention the time I bent over to grab my bag and the hat fell off and rolled about 5 feet in the windy conditions. I know that didn't look professional to those that were watching.

This profession has been in decline and not because a majority aren't wearing hats anymore. Management must laugh at that notion. I don't think when people go online to book their cheap ticket they think about Delta guys wear hats still.

 

[Captain Morgan]

I always felt like a dork wearing the hat. Not to mention the time I bent over to grab my bag and the hat fell off and rolled about 5 feet in the windy conditions. I know that didn't look professional to those that were watching.

This profession has been in decline and not because a majority aren't wearing hats anymore. Management must laugh at that notion. I don't think when people go online to book their cheap ticket they think about Delta guys wear hats still.

Hat or no hat, you probably just look like a dork anyway, so don't worry about it. Also, like you, I had lost my hat to the wind once and I never let it happen again. High winds don't happen everyday, so you could afford to wear the hat probably about 80% of the time without a problem. Any more excuses?

 

[Pistonpilot]

Hat or no hat, you probably just look like a dork anyway, so don't worry about it. Also, like you, I had lost my hat to the wind once and I never let it happen again. High winds don't happen everyday, so you could afford to wear the hat probably about 80% of the time without a problem. Any more excuses?

No excuses, I wore the hat since it was required. Always thought airline pilots looked like dorks with the hat, then I became one.

Do you think your doctor is less professional if he chooses to wear slacks/dress shirt/tie instead of the white coat? I don't, maybe you do, people are different.

The industry has changed drastically over the years and losing the hat is one I welcome. There will always be traditionalists that have a hard time with change.

 

[Jetjockey]

You could argue the entire uniform away. Tie.......who needs it? Epaulets...really?? Where's the ship? Slacks, those cockpits are so uncomfortable. Why not shorts?

Yes, it's part of the image. Doctors wear those silly lab coats with their names embroidered on it, lawyers wear nice suits. If a professional didn't take pride in their appearance one automatically questions what else this so called "professional" is lacking.

It's like the dirty tray table...........nothing to with the airworthiness of the airplane, but when an airline's airplanes look like crap passengers assume the maintenance must be just as bad.

 

[Pistonpilot]

Just because something was determined to be professional looking 50 years ago doesn't mean it still holds the same value today. I think the rest of the uniform is adequate and professional looking.

I would be curious to know if a poll was taken what passengers thoughts are. I would suspect the younger generations don't see it as a true symbol of professionalism, yet the older generations may.

I know when I got on with the airlines, several of my friends joked that they wanted to see a picture of me with the hat on.

 

[waveflyer]

Exactly- I still don't get why we're rocking the short sleeve tie look. The uniforms were created OVER 50 years ago bc that was what was professional and in style at the time. I'm not arguing to not look professional- just saying that the definition of a professional look changes over time and we shouldn't accept a laid down tradition as if it had some magical power in it.

You want to be professional- show up clear eyed, in shape, relaxed and sharp. Do your job well. Especially in this profession, that is truly what matters. Professionalism is much more about demeanor and attitude than anything else- and you can put a 100 hats on some of the slobs we have walking around and that won't make them any more
professional-

And +1. it is usually the ones who care about something like a hat too much- that are overcompensating bc their flying and crm abilities lack-

 

[waveflyer]

Oh.... And I did not write, and have yet to see an original post on this semi-annual hat thread.... Same opinion camps.... Same arguments.... Hats off seems to be winning in the real world

 

[Bjammin]

Military guys who make WAY less and have WAY worse days then we have somehow are able to wear their hats with pride and never complain. They are true professionals and make those that see them proud. I wear my hat because it is part of my uniform. If my company had garrison caps instead, I would be happier, but I think a hat makes a good accessory.
I care ALOT about how I look because I'm directly representing the company that feeds my kids and want my passengers to feel good about their choice. Sure, if my flying sucks that would be a problem, but I work hard at that as well.

 

[Crash Pad]

Hats are for those captains that need to feed their overinflated egos. As FO's, it collected dust. But with an upgrade, they wear it while driving a car.

 

[nimtz]

Hey mods in keeping with recent tradition let's move this thread to one of those boards no one uses. Honestly few arguments cause me to put the head in a noose quicker then "does the airline pilot hat make you look more professional--discuss!"