hey all,

i work for a hat optional airline, but thats not the point. i think many pilots that dislike hats are not necessarily whiners, but feel that the pilot hat is a bit archaic.

point given to those that say the hat gets crews more respect at international destinations--that said, many feel that the hat makes pilots look like sky caps at a hotel or somehow adds to the feeling of being a 'servant.'

in my opinion a pilot who takes care of him or her self (ie isnt overly fat), irons their shirt, doesnt wear black nike sneakers, and wears a crisp looking uniform, looks plenty professional and respectable. successful professionals in america often wear slacks, a sport coat or suit coat and no tie, yet they are still respected by their piers.

in the military its different, but to some, the hat in commercial aviation is a manifestation of management's ability to control and demean pilots that still do their jobs in a safe and professional manner every day, even though their pay has been cut and their career expectations have been reduced by massive proportions.

-lp