Why don't we wear hats to our interviews? That is the day we care the most about our professional appearance and yet, no hat. Why don't businessmen wear hats?.
Wave, now you're beginning to sound ridiculous and if that's the premise for the argument against hats, then I'm afraid that's just plain amateurist. Which one do you suggest to wear to the interview? The one of the employer you're interviewing with? The one from your last employer or the one from wal mart's costume depatment. Did you show up wearing wings, strips and bars to your interview?
Personal choice matters very little here because unfortunately that's the meaning of the term "uniform". If the hat will disturb fancyfull hair mousse and gels then one should consider only applying to a carrier that excludes it from their uniform.
Why do bellhops wear the hat when they load taxi's?
Who really cares why the bells wear their hat. As a matter of fact most in their appearance are a lot more polished that some of the pilots passing through the door because they hold themselves to higher standards.
I've only been mistaken for a curbside assistant when wearing a hat. Especially an FO hat, which looks ridiculous.
So you've been mistaken! You are not the first and you certainly won't be the last, with or without the cap. More and more you are beginning to see curb side assistance (and other airport personnel) with a strip or two on their shoulder. Even some flight attendants will wear a single strip. Besides, I've often been more mistaken by airport employees for being a Captain when in fact I'm wearing a First Officer uniform. People don't walk up to you and start counting strips yet strips are an integral part of our uniform. The point is, a pilot, known for demonstrated prowess of sharpness, professional demeanor and yes, "crusty voice", will certainly point them in the right direction. If we begin to act like the leaders we're suppose to be then that becomes a non event. Look around the terminal and you will have little confusion of mistaken identity amongst most international flight crews.
Ties you see- and they are going away at some places too. I'm not scared of that bc I don't make a surface level assumption of professionalism based on an accessory.
So in your opinion the guy who is not into ties should scrub it as well? You know, a tie can be a very dangerous piece of accessory and maybe a hazard especially in the confines of the cockpit. Enough to rethink your opinion on that piece of accessory? I don't believe that you sincerely subscribe to that notion, and instead will shun an individual with an improperly worn tie especially since fixes are available. The clip on comes to mind.
NOONE wears a hat in the business world anymore bc it's not 1947.
That's the business world and they determine the dress standard for they profession. The jacket hasn't gone away but they are many who would wish to see that off as well. This can also be said for many pilots.
Again, professional appearance is way more about a fit, healthy body, shined shoes, and ironed fresh and new threads- AND a calm clear demeanor.
Exactly, and so is your responsibility to wear the pilot's uniform, in the way of it's meant to be displayed, and that responsibility when taken seriously is part of one's professionalism.
Btw- I wasnt completely tongue in cheek about that idea. I wouldn't mind adding something to the uniform to dilineate experience- I do think passengers would like to see how experienced and qualified their crew is. Something that you can't just buy at a uniform shop, but means something industry wide
That is already being done at a lot of airlines and ALPA also recognizes longivity.
Look, professional standards have broader implications to the issues we currently face in our profession regarding respect, compensation, QOL, you name it. Some will say well, just pay me more but that is simply not enough. Doing your part to uphold,
among other things, the image of the profession goes a long way in promoting it's worth.
