Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
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
USMCFLYR,
As a fellow proud, professional military service professional, do have a slightly different perspective. I look at anyone who volunteers to serve in the military/firefighters/law enforcement differently than non military. I have much higher standards in more facets of their lives than I do in my fellow commercial airline pilots. In the commercial airlines, I get paid to move equipment. I am not paid to risk my life for said employer like the other professional groups that are knowingly risking their lives.
Another difference, and to me significant: Military treats servicemembers with a unique respect and appreciation. Most airline management teams have mostly just disdain for their pilot employees. Certainly little to no appreciation.
The total lack of respect by management manifests itself in uniform wear since many aren't all that proud to be employees of a company that has so little respect. I'd venture to guess that the better a professional is treated at their employers, the more professional they present themselves.
As long as my fellow pilots fly professional in the cockpit, I don't care if they wear bozo the clown outfits. It ain't the military <g>