The Airline 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/p...bate-the-Pros-Cons-of-White-Coats-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....

​

 

[cactusboy53]

I have to wear mine. It's my filing system. Cell phone, ID, keys, pen & pencil, pairing, gum & change all go in each night in the hotel. Besides, chicks dig the hat, right??

 

[jonjuan]

Maybe the DAL MEC can trade something for it in the next contract so as not to have to wear it any more.
Like it or not, the leather jacket is quickly becoming the "white coat" of the industry.

 

[jonjuan]

Rez, how about a thread titled: "The Airline mustache: what will become of it?"

 

[CFIT]

Res,

The only thing certain is change.

Hats don't make the pilot.

Neither does ALPA.

Both are out of date and out of touch.

Time to move on........

 

[Whine Lover]

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- That's funny you don't appear to be a blind man, so can I assume you are just too stupid to recognize this Uniform with the stripes, and epaulets, and wings ? You guys are much harder to spot now that they took the Big "L" off your foreheads....

 

[PC12Cowboy]

MMM hello Miss Audi

 

[gutshotdraw]

In fact one could argue that the Airline Hat can reassure passengers, especially in the rare evacuation.

Um, yeah...I'm sure the FIRST thing an airline pilot will do during an evacuation is put on his dorky, antiquated, toolbag hat.

 

[Newpilot2b]

When I used to have to have to wear the hat - I kept getting confused with a skycap - now no hat - no more confusion.

At airlines where the hat is optional - it is strictly reserved for the guy who has yet to get over himself.

 

[tyuwerty]

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- that's funny you don't appear to be a blind man, so can i assume you are just too stupid to recognize this uniform with the stripes, and epaulets, and wings ? You guys are much harder to spot now that they took the big "l" off your foreheads....

lmfao

 

[chignutsak]

As my hairline continues to recede, the need to wear the hat continues also. I look better with it on, to be honest. But that doesn't mean it's worn on the ramp on a gusty day or if it's 100 degrees outside. If only "toolbags" wear hats at your airline, or if you hate wearing it at all, it's time to switch airlines isn't it? Or you need to get a life.

 

[gutshotdraw]

As my hairline continues to recede, the need to wear the hat continues also. I look better with it on, to be honest. But that doesn't mean it's worn on the ramp on a gusty day or if it's 100 degrees outside. If only "toolbags" wear hats at your airline, or if you hate wearing it at all, it's time to switch airlines isn't it? Or you need to get a life.

Thankfully, we don't wear hats. It's bad enough that we wear the Captain Steubing jacket in a corporate jet operation. "Julie and Gopher will meet you on the Lido deck..."

Sorry to break it to Rez, but professionalism in any field has very little to do with what you wear.

 

[instructordude]

If you want too be payed like a professional than youud better dress like one.

I wear my hat with pride!

 

[scoreboardII]

Exactly!

And like all things, change occurs. I project in a decade airline hats will morph into something more professional like this:
http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/merchandiser/21581.jpg



http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YPLSyaja5...bFjYb7nUw/s400/feather+hat+fedora+cloche.jpeg

 

[Whine Lover]

" If you want too be payed like a professional than youud better dress like one."

Also, becoming somewhat proficient in the English language will greatly enhance your credibility ( and the possibility of being percieved as a professional ) with those who may, or may not, be wearing the hats.

I'm just sayin'....



YKW

 

[jet pipe ovht]

The hat should be required fo two types. The balding and grossly overweight. Its actually quite slimming.

 

[get2flyin]

Nothing like seeing one of my "brothers" walking through the terminal without a hat, shirt wrinkled, loosened tie, head down, and looking sloppy. I get so tired of hearing pilots bitch about the public doesn't have any respect for pilots. About how management doesn't have any respect for pilots. Here's a thought...have a little respect for yourself. YOU'RE AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE INDUSTRY! You want to be treated like a professional? Act like a professional. Look like a professional. With very few exceptions, you've all busted your asses to get to where you are. You've all EARNED the right to put on your uniform. You've EARNED the right to wear your hat. Quit trying to lower the bar! Stop looking like a bum. Stand up tall when you walk through the terminal. Have some pride in your uniform. Represent our profession proudly. You want to hate this job, go ahead...but don't drag me down in the eyes of the public with you.

 

[chignutsak]

The hat should be required fo two types. The balding and grossly overweight. Its actually quite slimming.

I think it should also be required for those with a bushy ALPA-style mustache...