Originally Posted by
Wheelswatch
I'd be happy with a flight suit (utilitarian.) Contrary to what most fancy themselves, we are not white collar workers. We are not "officers." We are laborers, workers, equipment operators. We don't even interact with the public like in the old days. The FA's do, but pilots, not so much. Stuff us in the cockpit, let us be comfortable, uniformed reasonably, to operate our machinery.
Some majors at least have a slightly different outlook. We are still expected to provide some "adult supervision" at the pointy end of the operation, where the line sups may have a GED. There is also a hope (sometimes realized, sometimes not), that we'll take the initiative and smooth the process when we see an opportunity. It's not that much different than my military officer role.
Regardless, any of us have veto power where safety is concerned (thanks FAA).