I havent been doing that pilotin' thing for several years now,but I work in a very busy 911 system now as a paramedic. We probably get alot more "public exposure" than pilots do, and I have never heard anyone say "oh look what that medic is wearing,it looks unprofessional". Instead Ive heard things like "thanks for restarting my husbands heart" or "thanks for saving my child". What im getting at is while pride in your profession is great, the public mostly doesnt care, as long as you perform the tasks they expect you to do,which in this case is safely aviating from point A to point B. In my travels I have never heard any pax say "ugh look that pilot has on a backpack/spiked hair/non polyester pants/Oakley's,etc. All I hear is "I hope we get in on time, and this ticket doesnt cost alot"
Your comparing a paramedic to a pilot?? Sorry that's a stupid comparison.
When I see a paramedic, I EXPECT to see a lot of paramilitary type equipment that only has one function....to save people's lives. Backpacks....gear bags....messenger bags....whatever.....total FUNCTION OVER FORM. If my paramedic showed up in a tuxedo instead of a BDU type of uniform, I wouldn't be impressed and would question his skills, his judgement, etc
I agree that the public doesn't care much, but WHEN you DO show up at the gate late after dodging thunderstorms all day, WHY not be a epitome of the well dressed airline pilot. WHY give them extra ammunition by showing up with no tie, untucked shirt, yellow collar and a FRIGGIN BACKPACK.
I think I can solve this dilemma for all of us.
YOU look at a pilot with a backpack and think "no big deal". I look at a pilot with a backpack and think "unprofessional doosh"
Can you at least admit that the public looks at us the same way? Not one or the other but some of the population looks and says "wow, great looking crew" and some don't care at all.
You have already made up your minds and I'm guessing you also break uniform regs by ditching the hat too, but WHERE does it stop.
If the public truly doesn't care then why not just show up in shorts, flip flops and a tank top? After all professionalism is all about your skills right? I wonder why UPS pilots wear a hat? If you ever score an interview you'd better advise them you don't intend to wear it. Or you could lie and tell them you'll be a professional and then come on a message board to argue ad nauseum about why you shouldn't have to wear it.