Originally Posted by
aa73
Nah, don't think so. In fact, it's been my observation that wearing a hat actually contributes to the downfall of this profession - because we look like bus drivers or curb side attendants. Is that who you want to look like/be paid like?
You'll notice that the most successful airline of all time - SWA - doesn't require hats. Their pilots make the most money out of all the PAX airlines. They seem very professional to me. Seems like the biggest legacies - old, outdated, low morale - are the ones that still require hats.
Hats are outdated and are on the way out. Yes, they looked professional, even glamorous, in their day. But the new airline pilot look is toned down a little, more like a businessman look. Still very professional with the blazer, instead of the leather jacket. But no hat.
73
hatless at AA
This is the whole reason I brought this up!
Last couple times I have cockpit-jumpsat at American, the capt's have asked where my hat is, and before I could answer, the FO jumped in with "it isnt required" or "the hat is a joke, and makes the uniform look unprofessional". and so on.
Many people think it is an essential part of the uniform, while others strongly feel like it should not be a part of the uniform...
Really I could go with or without the hat and be perfectly happy, but I was just trying to figure out why everyone is so divided on the hat issue??