The Airline Pilot Hat: What will become of it?

[RiddleEagle18]

Im just pointing out that REZ's example holds no water. Clearly this is one of the greatest professional pilots in history next to Al Haynes and he doesnt wear his hat all the time in public.

The hat has no bearing on professionalism.

 

[AAflyer]

.

The hat has no bearing on professionalism.

Agreed 100%!


AA

 

[eaglesview]

The hat has no bearing on professionalism.

This is obviously true. One can be just as professional with or without tha hat. Unfortunatley we are not flying around, for the most part, other pilots. we are flying the general public around and I believe their view is they want to see the most professional LOOKING crew they can get. These folks don't get a chance to interview you before they place their lives in your hands, their comfort level with you as a crewmamber is by first impressions, usually a quick look when you walk through the gate area to the jetway. So in my opinion we should look the part for a general public that is not familiar with all of the politics going on in our respective airlines/unions.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Mm.... does this hat make my butt look big... Gee I don't know... Just wear the ********************er if you're supposed to! Damnit! WTF is wrong with you, 4 ********************ing pages or ********************!

 

[Propsync]

Now that I'm 'out of the game' I go out of my way to ask stupid questions to the hat-less flight crew that the gate or F/A's would normally get.

If you had a hat, I'd wish you a pleasant day. Most don't understand the stripes. Everyone understands the hats (except for the eggs). Wear you hat. If not, I consider you the same level as a gate agent.

 

[Abernathy]

The flying public doesnt give a crap what you look like. Really. Unless you look 13 years old. Then they might get scared thanks to the colgan guys, who were probably wearing hats.

The hat is overkill in this day and age. Flying an airplane is not so difficult that you need to dress up like the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO when you go to work. Further, the job doesn't really command the respect it used to, nor does it command the salaries. And NO, before you say it Rez, it's not because we dont wear hats.

 

[AAflyer]

Now that I'm 'out of the game' I go out of my way to ask stupid questions to the hat-less flight crew that the gate or F/A's would normally get.

If you had a hat, I'd wish you a pleasant day. Most don't understand the stripes. Everyone understands the hats (except for the eggs). Wear you hat. If not, I consider you the same level as a gate agent.

Wow, you really need to get a life. To waste time and energy on something so small and insignificant that longer impacts you says so much about who you are.

AA

 

[eaglesview]

The flying public doesnt give a crap what you look like. Really. Unless you look 13 years old. Then they might get scared thanks to the colgan guys, who were probably wearing hats.

The hat is overkill in this day and age. Flying an airplane is not so difficult that you need to dress up like the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO when you go to work. Further, the job doesn't really command the respect it used to, nor does it command the salaries. And NO, before you say it Rez, it's not because we dont wear hats.

So your solution is to just throw in the towel. Does the job not command the respect or did we give it away. Does the job not command the salaries or did we give it away. Give me your solution where looking professional is a detrament.

 

[Propsync]

Wow, you really need to get a life. To waste time and energy on something so small and insignificant that longer impacts you says so much about who you are.

AA

Agreed. Now go get me a coke.

 

[AAflyer]

Agreed. Now go get me a coke.

I Would love to, and since you think I am an FA without a hat, and I know you USED to be a pilot. I will make sure to spit in it as I give it to you with a smile. Enjoy!

AA

 

[Abernathy]

So your solution is to just throw in the towel. Does the job not command the respect or did we give it away. Does the job not command the salaries or did we give it away. Give me your solution where looking professional is a detrament.

Looking professional is very important, I'm not quite sure where I said it wasn't. The problem is that you people keep tying professionalism to wearing a hat. The hat is a uniform PIECE. It is one part of the uniform. I guess that you cannot look professional ever unless you are wearing a WWII era headpiece?

I think United crews look very professional in their uniform without their hats. I think Delta crews, while they do look sharp, look silly dressed up like Louis XIV when they walk up to their MD-88.

And no passengers don't care. They will not book tickets on Delta more often because of their uniform, and if they at any point felt "more comfortable" for the split second they saw who they thought was the Captain of the RMS Lisituania walk up to the gate, that flew out the door when they flew for 3 hours on peanuts and pretzels with Atlanta based FAs.

 

[PurpleInMEM]

I've never understood the Captain Stubing look for pilots anyway. Like the rest of commercial aviation, it's stuck in paradigms that may have been important decades ago, but have no real bearing on the operations of today's system.

You're an highly trained, experienced, professional equipment operator, pure and simple. Do nuclear reactor operators, air traffic controllers, or locomotive engineers wear military style epaulets and hats? Didn't think so.

The uniform (and hat in particular) is ridiculous and constitutes yet another unnecessary expense.

 

[J.Otto]

The uniform and hat were adopted by military tradition, if im not mistaken...

 

[krewmeel]

I think we would all do well to not worry about the archaic hat tradition. Instead how about we just iron a shirt and take the polyester into the cleaners once in a while. A decent pair of shoes and a good fitting uniform are more of a professional pride item in my book.....

ps, do we really have to listen to our ipod while walking through the terminal (usually accompanied by a North Face backpack) in uniform?

 

[waveflyer]

And maybe we can all get on the treadmill and start knocking out some situps and pullups-
you can put a hat on a pig....But....

 

[Truckdriver]

I worked for an airline that changed the hat policy to "hats optional". It was awesome because you could tell immediatley who the contol freaks were by who kept wearing the hat. My beef with the hat is they are so darn uncomfortable. Why can't someone make a hat that doesn't have a hard leather head band that fits nobody and is lined with plastic so it traps all your head it in and causes you sweat like a pig?

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Looking professional is very important, I'm not quite sure where I said it wasn't. The problem is that you people keep tying professionalism to wearing a hat. The hat is a uniform PIECE. It is one part of the uniform. I guess that you cannot look professional ever unless you are wearing a WWII era headpiece?

No, you keep thinking the suggestion to wear the hat is tied to your professionalism. It is not. The hat is a brand icon and image for the public.

I think United crews look very professional in their uniform without their hats. I think Delta crews, while they do look sharp, look silly dressed up like Louis XIV when they walk up to their MD-88.

It is not about what you think. It never has. Seriously, you are not special. It isn't about you. It is about our perception with those who create our company revenue.

And no passengers don't care.

Why. You are going to have to justify this. Do you have marketing data?

They will not book tickets on Delta more often because of their uniform, and if they at any point felt "more comfortable" for the split second they saw who they thought was the Captain of the RMS Lisituania walk up to the gate, that flew out the door when they flew for 3 hours on peanuts and pretzels with Atlanta based FAs.

The pax might not care bacause they already expect image and professionalism in the price of the ticket.

I've never understood the Captain Stubing look for pilots anyway. Like the rest of commercial aviation, it's stuck in paradigms that may have been important decades ago, but have no real bearing on the operations of today's system.

Why?

You're an highly trained, experienced, professional equipment operator, pure and simple. Do nuclear reactor operators, air traffic controllers, or locomotive engineers wear military style epaulets and hats? Didn't think so.

These professionals are not in the public eye. Again whenever you see marketing and the pilot image it is with a hat.

The uniform (and hat in particular) is ridiculous and constitutes yet another unnecessary expense.

This is your opinion? What is the opinion of the public who buy the tickets.

I worked for an airline that changed the hat policy to "hats optional". It was awesome because you could tell immediatley who the contol freaks were by who kept wearing the hat. My beef with the hat is they are so darn uncomfortable. Why can't someone make a hat that doesn't have a hard leather head band that fits nobody and is lined with plastic so it traps all your head it in and causes you sweat like a pig?

During the 2007-2008 hiring "boom" about 2/3 of the guys at my regional that got hired at the majors wore hats. Of course they didn't wear their hats to the interview.... it was more of the mindset and attitude.

That hat isn't designed to be comfortable. Being a professional isn't either. If it was more people would do it. And we'd be paid less.

Who controls the profession? Management says hats are optional and pilots gleefully react tossing them without a thought... going for the comfort zone. What is next? Neckties? Then what?

Does management control the Air Line Pilot profession? The FAA? The Pax? The ATA? Roger Cohen of the RAA?


Who?

 

[eaglesview]

Looking professional is very important, I'm not quite sure where I said it wasn't. The problem is that you people keep tying professionalism to wearing a hat. The hat is a uniform PIECE. It is one part of the uniform. I guess that you cannot look professional ever unless you are wearing a WWII era headpiece?

I think United crews look very professional in their uniform without their hats. I think Delta crews, while they do look sharp, look silly dressed up like Louis XIV when they walk up to their MD-88.

And no passengers don't care. They will not book tickets on Delta more often because of their uniform, and if they at any point felt "more comfortable" for the split second they saw who they thought was the Captain of the RMS Lisituania walk up to the gate, that flew out the door when they flew for 3 hours on peanuts and pretzels with Atlanta based FAs.

No I am not tying ACTING professional with the hat I am saying in my opinion it LOOKS more professional.

As for us United pilots we are the worst looking pilot group out there. (Sorry fellas it's true.) We can have a crew of four (Asia flying) One wearing the traditional overcoat, one wearing the wool over coat, one wearing the spiffy leather jacket, and one wearing the striped jacket. All four are "in uniform" but there is nothing uniform about it. We, and I am speaking of us at UAL, have allowed our image to go to pieces mostly due to our contempt for Glen. As I have said before, in my opinion, when we allow that, he wins.

 

[clr4theapch]

Peronally, I think the public really does care how the pilots look.. afterall they think you all make 200K a year.. and they put their lives in your hands... better to wear the hat of perception than to come on the flight deck in a tatered greasy T-shirt with a roll of duct tape hanging off your belt loop... Just saying..

It's a profesional job that has always been associated with a sharp uniform.. not unlike many other professions.. you worked for the part, nw your playing the part, look the part.. IMHO of course..

 

[waveflyer]

Those are just old and tired responses- pilots were the ones who changed the hat requirement- do you really think mgmt cares about our hats one way or the other- hats aren't representative of a mindset at all- your mindset is representative of your mindset-

if you haven't noticed the business world has changed- you'll see a much different style at every business than you used to- and yes - it is more casual- and that's not necessarily bad- it represents a change in what matters- that competence matters more than the appearance of competence.

That said- wear it all you want- but if you have the need to judge me bc I don't - (which you won't ) that probably won't go well for you

 

[denny]

Hat or not when you guys go to Costco please, take your epaulets off and your ID badge. It really degrades the profession when some of you go grocery shopping in full uniform.

 

[waveflyer]

This guy wears his hat-- and is definitely my kind of pilot(!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWkoAivVOlA

 

[Abernathy]

Rez, you're such a hypocrite. It may be my perception that the hat does not make one more professional and looks silly on some people, or that the flying public doesn't care, but it is entirely your perception that it does and they do.

In reality I feel sorry for you. You are so insecure that you tie your professionalism and image/personality to a company required artifact.

Also you are not nearly as deep and insightful as you think you are.

 

[Abernathy]

ALSO Rez,

What you really should have your panties in a bunch about instead of the lack of hats is the one uniform article that actually DOES look unprofessional and almost demeaning: The Leather Jacket. Looks trashy and well, unprofessional. Unless you're a professional biker. In which case it might look professional when you're at a biker gathering.

 

[j41driver]

Is this the most important topic to discuss in our industry? Who CUCKING FARES?!??

 

[UALRATT]

I worked for an airline that changed the hat policy to "hats optional". It was awesome because you could tell immediatley who the contol freaks were by who kept wearing the hat. My beef with the hat is they are so darn uncomfortable. Why can't someone make a hat that doesn't have a hard leather head band that fits nobody and is lined with plastic so it traps all your head it in and causes you sweat like a pig?

Don't work for the company nor am I a shareholder. Just thought you can use the information...

http://www.premierhatco.com/?page=shop/index&

These are the guys that use to make those great hats for the original Bancroft company.
FYI, Superior bought the name Bancroft but the Bancroft hats they currently make are not of the same quality as the original. Premier are the best.

•Premier’s DRI FIT - Designed by Premier Hat - Wear tested and perfected by line pilots!
•New DRI-LEX® moisture wicking breathable lining.
•Perforated crown protector with card holder allows heat to escape.
•New Microfiber sweatband designed and proven to wick moisture away from your head.
•Same quality construction and traditional look as the classic style Premier hat.
•One-piece quality construction.
•All seams are lock-stitched for durability and reliability.
•All eyelets have back up washers for strength and stability.
•Posts have screw-backed buttons - not wire-backed buttons.
•Front stay is made from twin wire steel - not plastic.
•Stay is covered with matching lining material for a clean, finished look.
•Matching tape includes stiffener in crown seam.
•Sweatbands have reeding to create a natural roll and cushion that keeps stitches away from your head.
•Genuine Clarino™ First Officer visor tops and leather bottoms laminated and cut "in-house" - not imported.
•All hats come with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee

Check this out http://www.3dvo-models.com/clients/Blackstone/links/01127/model.php

 

[BOYCAPTAIN]

What hat?

 

[Abernathy]

Don't work for the company nor am I a shareholder. Just thought you can use the information...

http://www.premierhatco.com/?page=shop/index&

These are the guys that use to make those great hats for the original Bancroft company.
FYI, Superior bought the name Bancroft but the Bancroft hats they currently make are not of the same quality as the original. Premier are the best.

•Premier’s DRI FIT - Designed by Premier Hat - Wear tested and perfected by line pilots!
•New DRI-LEX® moisture wicking breathable lining.
•Perforated crown protector with card holder allows heat to escape.
•New Microfiber sweatband designed and proven to wick moisture away from your head.
•Same quality construction and traditional look as the classic style Premier hat.
•One-piece quality construction.
•All seams are lock-stitched for durability and reliability.
•All eyelets have back up washers for strength and stability.
•Posts have screw-backed buttons - not wire-backed buttons.
•Front stay is made from twin wire steel - not plastic.
•Stay is covered with matching lining material for a clean, finished look.
•Matching tape includes stiffener in crown seam.
•Sweatbands have reeding to create a natural roll and cushion that keeps stitches away from your head.
•Genuine Clarino™ First Officer visor tops and leather bottoms laminated and cut "in-house" - not imported.
•All hats come with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee

Check this out http://www.3dvo-models.com/clients/Blackstone/links/01127/model.php

Rez spontaneously ejaculated after reading this. "OMG the seams are lock-stitched."

 

[eaglesview]

ALSO Rez,

What you really should have your panties in a bunch about instead of the lack of hats is the one uniform article that actually DOES look unprofessional and almost demeaning: The Leather Jacket. Looks trashy and well, unprofessional. Unless you're a professional biker. In which case it might look professional when you're at a biker gathering.

On this we are in complete agreement.

 

[tomgoodman]

Fashion flaps

The hat is a brand icon and image for the public.

I agree, and personally liked the hat, never doubting that its main purpose was to aid in marketing our service. Since deregulation, the public has adapted to much greater changes in their flying experience than seeing hatless pilots, so this is probably not a big deal, unless we make it one.

A few years ago, our local symphony offered a few "casual concerts", with the musicians wearing blue jeans and golf shirts. After some grumbling, most patrons got used to the idea and ticket sales were brisk. I still prefer the aesthetics of formal attire, but the musicians own the orchestra and they play very well, so "de gustibus non est disputandum".