Interesting thread. Do you think there’s any sort of unspoken bias that causes pilots who look like stereotypical pilots to be hired over others?
For example, during a recent trip, I had a long layover at Hobby and noticed most Southwest pilots were tall men who looked like they played football in high school. If I were to pursue becoming a pilot, would it be a detriment to my career if I’m short and look like I played soccer in high school? In other words, I look more like Eric from Entourage (Kevin Connolly) than Sully from Sully (Tom Hanks).
Do any of you think there is a hiring bias in which pilots who look like a traditional American pilot get hired over pilots who don't look the part, even with similar resumes and experience?
*I'm asking from the standpoint of a curious potential career changer. I'm not a bitter pilot trying to justify why I'm not employed by a major airline yet.