I agree with the guy that said the industry is imitating a military style uniform to make the people feel better. The hat especially is overkill. We are not boat captains. When I'm commandeering a ship I'll make sure to wear a hat. In fact I think now at days even those guys don't wear hats. The only way the public will feel better is if the pilot looks professional and preferably his weight is proportionate to his height. Slapping on a hat on a slob won't make a difference.