Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan

Has anyone considered the possibility that the lightweight jacket now, and the leather jacket preceding it have been a part of a long term plan to devalue the airline pilot position in the eyes of the general public and each other? To go from being a respected professional to the equivalent of a bus driver or service provider to lower expectations?

The fact is that appearances matter. Right or wrong people make assessments of you based on your appearance every day.

Look at a former Pan Am uniform, a Delta uniform etc. The hat, the blazer, it instantly says "airline pilot". Crisp. Professional. Quasi-military. It instills confidence and pride.

The lightweight jacket looks like something a delivery guy might wear.

I'm not trying to be a black helicopter guy, but I lament the slow death of the traditional airline pilot uniform because I do feel as though it meant something.

That said I would happily ditch the tie. [emoji23]