Originally Posted by
AC560
How do doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, business men, etc. exhibit any level of professional performance without hats....a backpack makes you "unprofessional" is laughable though.
Its about passenger expectations. Remember? The people who pay the money that ends up in your paycheck?
Sure, those expectations have been reinforced by Hollywood for years. Are they appropriate or realistic? No.
But ask yourself this...Why do doctors wear white coats? Does that have anything to do with their competence? No. Its symbolic.
Why do lawyers wear 3 piece suits? Competence? No.
Why do judges wear black robes? Same question.
Why do cops wear badges?
Do any of the "uniforms" have anything to do with an individual's professionalism? No.
HOWEVER...when the public deals with any of these people there is a certain uniform expectation that engenders confidence. How would you feel if you went to the doctor and found a guy with spikey hair, ear buds on and sunglasses perched on the back of his neck?
Same question with a Judge or a Lawyer.
So, you argument is baseless on its face. You just want the "right" to wear whatever you want as you slouch through the terminal. Sorry, Sonny, but you knew a uniform was required when you applied for the job. Wear it. Wear it right. Show a little respect for the profession.
That appears to be too much to ask from the younger generation of pilots. Is it any wonder that our F/A crews can instantly determine who came from the military and who came from the regionals?