Originally Posted by
Eric Stratton
If I thought these people were actually bringing the pay down I would say something but they aren't. It doesn't bother me if someone brings a back pack to work. The last guy I flew with had one. He was an FFDO. I know guys who bring laptop bags and guitars too. I've yet to see anyone walking through a terminal with an Ipod on. I'm sure they are out there but it is such a small percentage that it really isn't worth my time.
I don't care what they bring to work....if it isn't right then they shouldn't do it. If that guy you flew with was a FFDO and is authorized to carry a backpack in some manner then he isn't breaking the rules. They can carrying guitars or laptops as long as they are carried appropriately.
I'll add to that remark that I don't know if it is against your company's RULES or not. The military has rules against such things (which have changed recently btw). They have gotten less restrict on some matters (like wearing a backpack) and tighter on others (like the use of a cellphone); but the fact is that IF there are rules then the employees should follow them. That is the aspect of professionalism that I am talking about. Why does the professionalism, or the lack of it, in your mind only revolve around whether it is reducing the pay? An E-2 with a family is probably making about as much (possibly less) as a first year FO at a low paying regional - but I still expect the E-2 to wear the uniform correctly and conduct himself in a professional manner since he is representing the US military; and if not then actions can be undertaken to correct the problem.
If it is against the company's rules and you are disobeying those rules - why would I think that you should be paid more? If you can't follow a simple rule like wearing your jacket or your hat - then why should I believe that I you are following rules such as whether an aircraft is safe to fly or not - or crew rest rules - or any other safety related rules?
If there aren't rules in place that prohibit wearing backpacks or your hat indoors, or grooming standards, then it is one person's opinion against anothers - and then NO ONE WILL BE RIGHT and you can do as you wish. Like Ben Wade said in' 3:10 To Yuma' [Every man's actions are right in his own eyes]
Btw - I'm not talking to you personally in this post Eric Stratton, I'm talking about the profession in general across the industry. I agree with you Eric in that since I have been on this board and read the comments I have taken a particular interest in finding these unprofessional pilots that people say are rampant in the industry and so far....I'm glad to report....I haven't seen them. As I said in an earlier post - thank you to all those professional pilots for the jobs you do getting me from point A to point B. I appreciate it.
USMCFLYR