Pilots wearing backpacks??? lets get campy?

[CapnVegetto]

What does wearing a backpack have with being in uniform or not?

My point exactly. I mean, we're talking about a BACKPACK people. It's not a wife-beater with a beer stain on it, it's not pasties on nipples, it's a BACKPACK. Get some perspective!

 

[k_EAT=ho_ME]

Get some perspective!

Says the guy no longer the least bit impacted by the debate, but still devoting post after post to debating it.

 

[bizicmo]

You can be in uniform AND wearing a backpack at the same time.
It like walking and talking at the same time. One is totally independent of the other.

 

[CapnVegetto]

Mostly you have the right attitude, unfortunate that you may not be able to play the game long enough to get through the probation year without pissing off the wrong people at many of the better paid carriers out there. I am guessing that is your goal otherwise why bother with this thread.

I am with you on the treating a person right and not taking the abuse, my last employer found out the hard way just how marketable a decent pilot is, I think he is still trying to find my replacement, been through a couple of guys that scared the crap out of him in the last few months. Bad thing is it used to pay well and be a good job until he started to listen to the wrong guys about how to become a first class aviation bottomfeeder. So you have no quarrel with me in that department.

I still think that backpacks make a pilot look like a young schmuck still trying to figure out how an airplane works though!!!

Good debate man.

I've already been through a probation year at an airline. It was a crappy regional, and you can look at my profile and probably figure out which one. I had two instances I had problems, and got off scot free both times.

First instance, I was told by crew tracking not to show up at normal showtime for a flight the following morning on the overnight, (along with a flight attendant, because our captain was JA'd and our flight was going to be delayed b/c of it). Next morning, right around showtime, I'm asleep in my room and get a call wondering why the hell I'm not at the airplane. 'Because you told me last night I didn't have to be!' 'No we didn't!' 'Yeah you did.' 'Oh well, get there ASAP!!'. 'OK.' Get a call from the CP next day and he's chewing me out for not being there blah blah blah, (I've been on line 1 month). He threatens my job, calls me lazy, etc. Finally, amidst all the yelling, I figure out what he's squawking about, and tell him to shut it (verbatim). He's like, "Whaaaat???" I said, "Do you even want to hear my side of this??" I then tell him what happened, and tell him to pull the tapes. (Every conversation with CT is taped). He calls me back later and APOLOGIZES for yelling at me without checking first. Turns out CT DID tell me to stay at the hotel. They screwed up and tried to pin it on me. I respond with "That's OK, I know you probably deal with this 20 times a day, but I just wanted to get a word in edgewise." We ended up drinking together when I got back to DEN.

Second instance, CT tried to junior assign me to a 4 hour turn when I had flown 28 hours in 4 days. I said no. They said "you WILL fly this trip. my info says you've only flown 24 hours" (We were even warned about this in ground school. It's part of our JOB to know when we're illegal.) I politely (for the second time) told them I won't do it. CT starts to yell at me that he doesn't care what I have in my log, I'm flying it. I told the guy to "eat my a$$ with a spoon" and hung up. Got a call from another CP (different one), and he says he hears I've been cussing at a crew tracker. I said, yep, I was. The guy made me mad and wants me to fly an illegal trip. CP says well I I have info here that says you've only flown 24 hours. Well, my book says 28, and we were told in groundschool that we have to keep up with this, that we're supposed to go by it, blah blah blah. CP then says "Well, you need to fly this trip. I see that you're on probation, and non-compliance could result in termination." Then I get REALLY pi$$ed. I said something to the effect of, "OK, first and foremost, I will NEVER risk my career for this dam company. Second, I won't knowingly break the regs anyway. You go right ahead and fire me. But you and I both know that this phone conversation is taped, just like every single other one that is made from SOC. First thing I'm gonna do if you fire me, is get one of the lawyers I play golf with to file a nice little wrongful termination lawsuit against your company. Firing me for refusing to fly an illegal trip should go over real well in court. Then I'll put in a sweet little call to your POI in Dallas and tell him exactly what has transpired here, and get him to fly right up your a$$ with a group of FAA safety inspectors to find this taped conversation of exactly what illegal thing that you asked me to do. I'm sure you might try to get rid of this tape, but are your ready to perjure yourselves in a court of law to protect this company?" The CP then calmly stated, "We'll get someone else to fly the trip. Thank you."

Both of these instances happened in my year at my regional airline. The second CP is now on at SWA, (I don't know how he got on there, with his reputation), and the first CP is still there, and still a good guy. The bottom line was, I wasn't real concerned with losing an $18,000 a year job when I can always find another one. But sometimes you just have to call people on their bull$hit. I shudder to think about how many illegal things are done by pilots on probation at regionals that are afraid to stand up to the company asking them to do something illegal. Same thing with 135 outfits. My current company has been wonderful about it so far. If they even suspect a duty day coming close, they swap crews out.

I've already done the airline thing, and it really wasn't for me. I'd consider going back to a big one, (CAL, DL, NWA, etc.) but I doubt it. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and I'll probably never go back. I just didn't like the lifestyle. I guess I'm weird, because being on call doesn't bother me one little bit. I play golf, basketball, go out with friends, and enjoy the hell out of life, all while being on call. I have friends that would rather get shot in the head with an elephant gun that be on call, but it just doesn't bother me. Never has. And with my current 135 "crappy" job, I work maybe 13 days a month on average, and am home every night. QOL is the biggest thing for me. I'll probably fly Citations, Lears, and Kingairs my whole career.....I just don't wanna do anything else. Sure I could make $130K or so flying a G550 or flying a whale for NWA, but you know what they say, the bigger the airplane, the bigger the suitcase. I'd be miserable, and I know it. I like my family and my own bed too much. I'll be perfectly happy with my $60-$70K for the rest of my career and being home almost every night, with the freedom to do whatever else I want to on the side. I know I'll probably get out of 135 one of these days for a good corporate job, but right now, I'm content. I'll leave when the right thing comes along. 'Till then, I'll be working on my golf handicap.

Have a good one dude! Cheers.

 

[CapnVegetto]

Says the guy no longer the least bit impacted by the debate, but still devoting post after post to debating it.

So sue me for having no life.

 

[CapnVegetto]

Says the guy no longer the least bit impacted by the debate, but still devoting post after post to debating it.

I wanna catch General Lee.

GAWD!! I am such a loser.

 

[bigD]

You're just pissed 'cause Auburn doesn't have a shot in hell at the title this season.

 

[CapnVegetto]

You're just pissed 'cause Auburn doesn't have a shot in hell at the title this season.

And the ref takes a point away!!!!

I can't argue with you though.

 

[bigD]

Don't feel too bad - players will come and go, but you have a proven coaching staff. Our staff is incapable of winning big games, and that'll be the case indefinitely.

How's this for a thread hijack?

 

[fam62c]

How big a deal is this?

I don't wear a backpack and I don't think they look all that professional. I also wear my hat and my flight bag isn't covered with stickers that make it look like something a circus performer would carry (have you read some of the childish and unprofessional things pilots put on their flightbags ?). I also don't carry 3-5 bags with me including brightly colored lunch coolers that look like something a kid would bring to kindergarten with them. Having said all that, I find it hard to believe that this issue has gotten 129 posts so far. With all that's going on is it really that big of a deal? On a scale of 1 to 10 this issue has to be a 1 or 2 at most. It's also important to note that society in general has gotten more casual. When I started with my airline 12 years ago most of the business travel passenegers wore suits and ties. Most of them today wear "business casual" clothing and almost nobody wears a suit anymore. I think that the backpack thing is partially a reflection of that trend coupled with the fact that many pilots now drag laptops around with them and backpacks work well for that.

If this was that big a problem the airlines would cover this in their uniform codes....some airlines may, I don't know, but mine doesn't. I guess that if it's not against the rules and it doesn't affect safety or how a pilot does his/her job in the cockpit it's really not my business if the younger guys want to get "campy." Live and let live.

 

[acaTerry]

I wear a backpack at Fedex. And you would, too, if you had to haul three bags up the stairs of an MD-11. But I suppose we don't count...It seems to be acceptable to carry a briefcase with a shoulder strap over your shoulder in the business world. And women wear their tennies when walking to and from work. I don't have a problem with the campy look personally.

And pilots don't have big bellies.... they have secondary stall protection.

A few points come to mind. First, and don't take this wrong, as a FedEx Engineer (I am assuming this based on your TT only), you have no public image. You deal with inanimate objects, in a dark night environment. Just you and the coworkers in view.
Second, I did lug bags up stairs, 7 legs a day. Not just my bags, but also the bags for 19 pax too, all through a door much smaller than yours. And hand flew the plane to boot. I didn't use that as an excuse to look like Woodsy the Owl going to work.
Finally, the issue of age and maturity comes up AGAIN...
Until the kids with the fast track and easy way to a jet came along, pilots conducted themselves as professionals and also presented themselves as such. Nothing is so obnoxious as the know-it-all from ABC flight academy who has not even been flying long enough to need their first flight review, yet feels it is their place to change the industry. Then in their childlike reasoning, find a way to make excuses for their immaturity.
These kids need to grow up! They want a grown up job, then for crying out loud, ACT LIKE ONE.

 

[Paradoxus]

Oh please...

I can deduce by your gross antipathy for us "kids," coupled by your odious usage of such archaic terminology as woodsy the owl and for crying out loud, that you are some form of washed up, 40+ year old 5000 hour loser. Do you really have nothing better to occupy your time with than absurd objections to people's choice of LUGGAGE? It seems all of the childlike-reasoning and immaturity is coming from under your rock.

Pathetic.

/will now begin wearing my Social Distortion backpack on a far more regular basis while on trips.

 

[Snakum]

I can deduce by your gross antipathy for us "kids," coupled by your odious usage of such archaic terminology as woodsy the owl and for crying out loud, that you are some form of washed up, 40+ year old 5000 hour loser. Do you really have nothing better to occupy your time with than absurd objections to people's choice of LUGGAGE? It seems all of the childlike-reasoning and immaturity is coming from under your rock.

Wow!

Don't hold back, man. Tell us how you really feel.

Minh
D)

 

[FedEx1]

[QUOTE=acaTerry...as a FedEx Engineer (I am assuming this based on your TT only), you have no public image.

Like I said, I suppose we don't count. What I meant by that was not a lot of people see us. But that doesn't mean we don't wear uniforms and look professional. With three bags- roller, backpack, and flight kit- and the coffee jug if I am on the MD-10- I need the backpack to help haul it up. It comes in handy on the layovers, too.

I never said it looked good on the other guys that have to fly the people. I was just saying it looks ok to us.

And we do get to fly in the daylight sometimes, and we don't melt.

PS Made it to a window seat on the mad dog, no more essential power for me.

 

[JohnnyDrama]

5 pages on the topic of backpacks!! You guys are awsome! Ok...only tools wear backpacks but come on.....5 pages! Just listen to Paradoxus, although the regional pukes things is a bit harsh! 5 Pages, get a life losers!!

-Drama; im out!

 

[JohnnyDrama]

Guess my whiskey math was off! TEN PAGES!!!! YEAh even better!! Holla

 

[Paradoxus]

Yeah, that was a bit over the top--I have nothing against regional airlines or the people that work there, it just seemed like everyone raining fire on one's choice of bag came from that corner of the ring.

 

[Mach92]

i bring my scooby-doo lunch box and i wear my spiderman underwear...

for the overnites i pack my airplane pjs (with feet).

LOL

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Yeah, that was a bit over the top--I have nothing against regional airlines or the people that work there, it just seemed like everyone raining fire on one's choice of bag came from that corner of the ring.

Many Flight Operations Manual prohibit backpacks.

Obviously with this many post it is a controversial issue/image.

As a professional (I hope this word is not too strong or campy for the backpack generation) the idea is to present an image. I wouldn't want controversial to be a part of my professional image.

CapnVegetto seems to turn his attitude around a little.... He was defining is professionalism by his environment and observations. It is hard to go four wheelin through unknown territorty.....in a Ford Focus.......


I'd rather our image improve...significantly. Not just in our appearance, but in our behavior and attitudes. The mantra of "I'll dress/behave better when they pay me better" is self destructive. This mantra does not place one at the table where policy and change occurs. It places one in the mosh pit with the rest of spaziods.

We can be consistantly recognized as THE 100,000 U.S. Air Carrier Pilots who are conservative, calm, professional, dedicated, well trained and will day after day safely transport passenger and cargo. And negotiate a good wage for it.

Or

When we are seen by our passengers: "Oh that's the pilot? Whatever."

Negotiate your wage from that.....

 

[Shobra]

I use one for CDO's it is black and leather, so it will blend into my bags and uniform. If you see me with it and it looks like trash let me know. After a few CDO's my pack looks better than I do. I need my beauty sleep.

 

[Holy Shiite]

I wonder if this thread will overtake the "hottest flight attendant" thread??? I doubt it though!!! I started this thread to get a "feel" from the pilots out there about the whole backpack issue as I for one think it is inapropriate and unprofessional. It seems that the younger guys take offense to the "criticism"
but the wearing of a backpack makes us all look sloppy,cheap, and not as a Professional Pilot. If a Delta Pilot was to wear a backpack I am sure that his fellow pilots would put such pressure on him to get rid of it before he stepped out of ops. If I happen to get paired up with an F/O wearing one I will surely voice my objection to it.

As far as the night cargo guys go, you are not in the public eye so really anything goes and nobody cares. But walking through a terminal looking less professional than the skycap who checks your bags is pretty pathetic. HS

 

[CapnVegetto]

God, some of you people need to get a life. It's a backpack. A BACKPACK!!! It's NOT A BIG DEAL!!! And yes, I used to wear one, when I needed it. I would do it again. If someone doesn't like it, tough. Make a regulation against it. I never had a problem with anyone about it. Some of you uniform nazis seriously need to get laid.

CapnVegetto seems to turn his attitude around a little.... He was defining is professionalism by his environment and observations. It is hard to go four wheelin through unknown territorty.....in a Ford Focus.......

Ummm......what????

That makes about as much sense as a soup sandwich. Perhaps you should word it differently.

I disagree with Holy Shiiite too. Cutoff jeans and a wife beater make you look unprofessional. A backpack does nothing of the sort. Hell, I wish they'd let me wear a polo shirt and khakis. I'd do it in a second!

Get a life people.

 

[Mike man]

I saw a chick in PIT the other day with a backpack...how stupid. WTF?

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

God, some of you people need to get a life. It's a backpack. A BACKPACK!!! It's NOT A BIG DEAL!!! And yes, I used to wear one, when I needed it. I would do it again. If someone doesn't like it, tough. Make a regulation against it. I never had a problem with anyone about it. Some of you uniform nazis seriously need to get laid.

What I get from your quote is from my three year old watching Dora the Explorer when she uses her backpack. The intro song.....to the backpack scene in every Dora cartoon.

Do you need a regulation to mandate your image? Professionals do not need to be policed. We do not need the FAA and Company babysitting us. Or do we/you? Is there a policy manual that says backpacks are accpetable? probably not. But if it doesn't say I can't then I can, right?

Is that your best arguement... ?? That we need to get a life and that it is just a backpack? If it is not a big deal, then why use one? If you cannot (and thus HAVE NOT) logically and soundly argued the use of backpacks by professional pilots as a positive, then you simply are ineffective.

If you'd like a good arguement for using the backpack, try this one on. (no pun intended) They are convienent and easy to carry your "stuff" around.

Of course my counter is.....this. Is your convience worth a deminished image for all pilots?

If you are going to argue that backpacks are accpetable then you must show that their use by pilots will not have a negative effect. This thread shows that backpacks are four wheelin' in unknown territory at the least. (I know you don't like this analogy, but it is very fitting.... if you know what I mean. Do you?)

What is the backpack an alternative to? A rollerboard, like Travelpro or Luggage Works? Or even a flight case? How about discussing the how a backback is just as professional looking..... I have seen many USAF/USN Officers wearing backpacks in uniform. (on the Metro to/from the Pentagon) I think a briefcase is much more professional looking. But I guess it is harder to carry a briefcase.

Your "God!", "get a life", "no regulation against it" and "Get Laid" arguements FOR the backpack are about as amatuer hour and freshman as a 15 year old schoolgirl....with her backpack on...

Ummm......what????

That makes about as much sense as a soup sandwich. Perhaps you should word it differently.

I disagree with Holy Shiiite too. Cutoff jeans and a wife beater make you look unprofessional. A backpack does nothing of the sort. Hell, I wish they'd let me wear a polo shirt and khakis. I'd do it in a second!

Get a life people.

I could word it differently. Do you think you'd understand again?

OK.. here goes.....

Instead of climbing into your head (figure of speach) and deciding what is a professional image you'd rather simply mirror the current trends of clothing and accessiories (backpacks). Here is a hint. Ok, it is not a hint, it is as clear as can be.... Using current trends, pop culture and fads to define your professional image and attitude is not what we as Air Line Pilots are all about.

All the passengers are expected to do is sit in the cabin and complain and whine. Kinda like your post. (I know, cheap shot... ) They can wear, say and do what they like. (within the law) Just because the passengers are wearing sweatpants and tank tops to travel, doesn't mean you can dumb down the professional pilot image. As pilots, alot more is expected.

Look, if you want flying jets to be just a job like most people have, then you can take the path of least resistance, show up for work, do your job and go home. If you want to define your job as a career and reap the rewards, including financial, then make conscience choices.

Is the opinion of your fellow pilots not of value? If a percentage of them are telling you to reconsider your travel gear.. then maybe you should. Before you respond, at what point would you listen to your fellow pilots when they are offering a critque you don't agree? Does it have to be a majority? Overwhelming?

Finally, I am getting laid. And without a backpack.

And I do have a life. A rather good one. And my good life is dependant, in part, on my professional image. And to a certian extent.... your professional image or lack thereof.

We not me.

 

[PBRstreetgang]

Oh please...

I can deduce by your gross antipathy for us "kids," coupled by your odious usage of such archaic terminology as woodsy the owl and for crying out loud, that you are some form of washed up, 40+ year old 5000 hour loser. Do you really have nothing better to occupy your time with than absurd objections to people's choice of LUGGAGE? It seems all of the childlike-reasoning and immaturity is coming from under your rock.

Pathetic.

/will now begin wearing my Social Distortion backpack on a far more regular basis while on trips.

Hey,
I resemble that remark, I think all the uniform Nazis that rant and rave about uniforms, hats and backpacks are possibly the same ones who PFT'd. Professionalism is defined differently in the dictionary, hats and backpacks are not mentioned. Wear a thong, and flip-flops, I don't care just vote with me at contract time for more money. Otherwise relax and enjoy that 350hrs a month TAFB.
PBR

 

[CapnVegetto]

What I get from your quote is from my three year old watching Dora the Explorer when she uses her backpack. The intro song.....to the backpack scene in every Dora cartoon.

Do you need a regulation to mandate your image? Professionals do not need to be policed. We do not need the FAA and Company babysitting us. Or do we/you?

Is that your best arguement... ?? That we need to get a life and that it is just a backpack? If it is not a big deal, then why use one? If you cannot (and thus HAVE NOT) logically and soundly argued the use of backpacks by professional pilots as a positive, then you simply are ineffective.

If you'd like a good arguement for using the backpack, try this one on. They are convienent and easy to carry my "stuff" around.

Of course my counter is.....this. Is your convience worth a deminished image for all pilots?

What is the backpack an alternative to? A rollerboard, like Travelpro or Luggage Works? Or even a flight case? How about discussing the how a backback is just as professional looking..... I have seen many USAF/USN wearing backpacks in unifrom. I think a briefcase is much more professional looking. But I guess it is harder to carry a briefcase.

Your "God!", "get a life", "no regulation against it" and "Get Laid" arguements FOR the backpack are about as amatuer hour and freshman as a 15 year old schoolgirl....with her backpack on...



I could word it differently. Do you think you'd understand again?

OK.. here goes.....

Instead of climbing into your head (figure of speach) and deciding what is a professional image you'd rather simply mirror the current trends of clothing and accessiories (backpacks). Here is a hint. Ok, it is not a hint, it is as clear as can be.... Using current trends, pop culture and fads to define your professional image and attitude is not what we as Air Line Pilots are all about. The passengers are expected to sit in the cabin. They can wear, say and do what they like. (within the law) Just because the passengers are wearing sweatpants and tank tops to travel, doesn't mean you can dumb down the professional pilot image.

Is the opinion of your fellow pilots not of value? If a percentage of them are telling you to reconsider your travel gear.. then maybe you should. Before you respond, at what point would you listen to your fellow pilots when they are offering a critque you don't agree? Does it have to be a majority? Overwhelming?

Finally, I am getting laid. And without a backpack.

And I do have a life. A rather good one. And my good life is dependant on my professional image. And to a certian extent.... your professional image.

We not me.

Ah, here we have yet another holier than thou old guy that thinks he knows everything.

First and foremost, I had a rollerboard AND a flight case. What does my laptop go in? Answer: my BACKPACK.

Second, I'd sure love to know who in the hell made you the god of all things professional? So YOU don't like a backpack? YOU think it's unprofessional? What about the other 5,000 people out there like me that see nothing wrong with it? Should we immediately bow down to Rez O. Lewshun because he is omniscient and knows all about all things backpack? Exactly the type of jacka$$ attitude I was talking about earlier.

Your "Is your convience worth a deminished image for all pilots?" argument holds no water for two reasons. #1, If I am indeed 15 years old, at least I know how to spell the word 'diminished', and #2, that kind of broad-sweeping generalization is precisely what I was referring to when I speak of 'holier than thou old guys.'

Now on to your ridiculous ascertation that I base all of my decisions on 'pop culture' and 'fads'. You have never met me, you have never seen me anywhere, you have no idea who I am , where I live, what I'm like, anything. And yet, by some miracle, you think you know me. Must be more of that 'god' complex you have. I've already stated why I wear a backpack when needed, and it has nothing to do with a 'fad'. My 'professional image' is fine. It's not hurt by me wearing a backpack every once in a while to carry extra things I need because you say so.

Is the opinion of my fellow pilot not important? I have never once had any captain or copilot ever complain about my apperarance, or claim that I look 'unprofessional'. The percentage of them that have told me that I should reconsider my travel gear......0%. Apparently there are a few crusty old farts out there that have some kind of god complex and believe that they should be telling others what to do. Until a vast majority of people can give me a good reason that will convince me otherwise, then I will continue to wear a backpack. "Because Rez O. Lewshun thinks so" is not a valid reason, and will never be.

I think I'll put my backpack on now.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

CaptnVegetto,


Sorry to read your hasty response. I am not sure why you took it personally, my post. I was debating the choice to use backpacks. Why are you defending yourself personally? I am sure you are a fine employee and pilot. Let's stick to the issue.

Not sure why you think a conservative professional image is holier than thou? Holier than thou comments are usually weak defensive remarks for lack of sound arguement. Also, screw me/screw you isn't good debate either. (a bit pre-emptive)

I really can't use your modus operandi and the backpack to indicate immaturity because that wouldn't fair. Besides, a very senior old man that I repsect uses a backpack when he flies. (I politely and professionally offered my thoughts)And that would also debunk my thoery.

Sure my spelling was incorrect. Thanks for pointing that out. ( I think)

My spelling errors do not weaken my arguement. Yet, you think they do. And your belief that I have a holier than thou attitude is not a flaw in my arguement.

Lets get back on topic shall we? Can you?

 

[CapnVegetto]

CaptnVegetto,


Sorry to read your hasty response. I am not sure why you took it personally, my post. I was debating the choice to use backpacks. Why are you defending yourself personally? I am sure you are a fine employee and pilot. Let's stick to the issue.

Not sure why you think a conservative professional image is holier than thou? Holier than thou comments are usually weak defensive remarks for lack of sound arguement. Also, screw me/screw you isn't good debate either. (a bit pre-emptive)

I really can't use your modus operandi and the backpack to indicate immaturity because that wouldn't fair. Besides, a very senior old man that I repsect uses a backpack when he flies. (I politely and professionally offered my thoughts)And that would also debunk my thoery.

Sure my spelling was incorrect. Thanks for pointing that out. ( I think)

My spelling errors do not weaken my arguement. Yet, you think they do. And your belief that I have a holier than thou attitude is not a flaw in my arguement.

Lets get back on topic shall we? Can you?

Forgive me, but I get really pi$$ed off when someone simply judges that I'm an unprofessional inferior pilot because I choose to wear a backpack when I need the extra carry space. I get really pi$$ed off when someone tells me that I should dress/act/think a certain way because they say so.

I was defending myself personally because the above is what I gathered from your post. Perhaps I was a bit hasty in my 'holier-than-thou' assesment, but you still have yet to give me a reason that a backpack is unprofessional looking other that 'I think it is.' You even pointed out that someone older and more experienced than you wears one, and sees nothing wrong with it. He doesn't see a problem, I don't see a problem, and a very large percentage of pilots out there don't see a problem, so why do you? Because you THINK it looks unprofessional? That's your opinion, fine. Don't wear one. But don't expect me or anyone else to stop simply because you think we should. I need a reason.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Ritalin Generation:

Dont judge me guddam it, im Pi$$ed, earn my respect. give me a reason. get a life. get laid. dont tell me.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Forgive me, but I get really pi$$ed off when someone simply judges that I'm an unprofessional inferior pilot because I choose to wear a backpack when I need the extra carry space. I get really pi$$ed off when someone tells me that I should dress/act/think a certain way because they say so.

I was defending myself personally because the above is what I gathered from your post. Perhaps I was a bit hasty in my 'holier-than-thou' assesment, but you still have yet to give me a reason that a backpack is unprofessional looking other that 'I think it is.' You even pointed out that someone older and more experienced than you wears one, and sees nothing wrong with it. He doesn't see a problem, I don't see a problem, and a very large percentage of pilots out there don't see a problem, so why do you? Because you THINK it looks unprofessional? That's your opinion, fine. Don't wear one. But don't expect me or anyone else to stop simply because you think we should. I need a reason.

Ok...more of the same reasoning....

Backpacks look/are unprofessional because some Flight Operations Manuals say do not use them. If a pilots' FOM says backpacks are prohibited and a pilot still uses one; that is unprofessional. I understand your FOM may not address backpacks. I did use this arguement in my post.

One reason why some FOMs prohibit backpacks is image. Right or wrong, most people that use backpacks are hikers, campers and students. These three activities are are not professional activities. In fact, students are on the opposite end of professionals. In addition, most students in the US are under the age of 22. Backpack usage, right or wrong, is the image of a teenager/student.

When we think of other professionals, lawyers, doctors, Military Officers, architects etc. We think of clean pressed suits and uniforms. And accessories/luggage that compliment the suit/clothing or uniform. If I saw W. walking to Marine One with a packback on, I'd think he had some personal activities planned... not the agenda of the US Gov't.


Here are two more arguments against the backpack.

1. Would you wear a backpack to a pilot interview?

2. We don't wear our luggage. We don't put on our rollerboard, or our flight case. But one does put on a backpack. That makes the backpack unique.

In addition, most FOMs state that luggage must be black. Is the arguement for any color luggage ok? Backpacks weren't an issue in the 90's. At least I don't recall them being worn by many. Why the change? Why have pilots, mostly young, begun to change the luggage usage to backpacks? Perhaps changes to FOMs will include no backpacks. Maybe not.

CaptnVegetto, you arguement for the backpack is solid on the premise of how you feel about it. As I said before it is not about me rather we.
Let's change the backpack to facial jewelry. For some reason, lets say for discussion, pilots started wearing eyebrow and lip rings. A pilot can insist all day long that he is professional but the looks and stares from his passengers suggests something else. It is what they believe. If your chief pilot, fellow crewmembers and passengers believe you are professional then you are. If they don't....then you aren't.


So here are my arguements. Debate them.

1. Backpacks give the image of a teenager and/or student. Anti-Pro.
2. Professionals don't wear their luggage.
3. Backpacks were not a uniform issue until the new millenium.
4. Some pilots wear the backpack even though thier FOM says no.
5. It is what our customers, employeer and fellow pilot believe.


The idea is to self regulate. Not see what boundries we can push.


All I can do is offer my reasoning. God forbid I am actually telling you not to wear a backpack. You have to make that choice on on your own.