I'm just a lowly private pilot, and so naturally my opinion doesn't hold much weight on here
. But the more I read threads just like this, it appalls me at how many pilots seem to think that their pay grade and living conditions somehow negate their responsibility to be professional. Do we really think that professionalism just means a safe flight? What kind of excuse is it to say you can dress like a slob because you can fly ok? Give me a break.
I'm just a ramper/CSA at the airport here. On days I'm loading bags, sure I'll just wear the issue t-shirt, un-tucked, and issue pants. Maybe even a non-issue sweatshirt if its cold. I get the job done, and I do it in a professional timely way.
But if I'm dealing with passengers, checking in or at the boarding gate; I have a responsibility to sharpen up, tuck in my shirt, wear the issue jacket and be polite and professional when in view of the people who fund my pay check. Why can't pilots have the same view? Sure if you were just stuck in the locked cockpit all day, wear hawaii shorts and a wife beater for all I care. But those doors open eventually and you will be in the spotlight. Are pax supposed to think that you care about them when you obviously dont care about presenting yourself? Even when I take people on rides in a C-172 I'll try to look decent, as it conveys a sense of confidence to people before they ever see you operate.
Of course, personally I think this issue is a much larger part of pilots being defiant towards something. (management, or otherwise). Most of which I understand, and some I agree with. And as stated above, all of this is just the view of an outsider. My father is a 20 year FO with a major airline, and so I when I say I understand certain aspects of a pilot's life, or working conditions, I can honestly say I do. Still it would be hell froze over if I ever saw my Dad go to work in a dirty uniform, or un trimmed hair.
Just an observation.
EDIT: To be clear, I don't think anyone is gonna point a finger at someone stepping out from a 15 hour duty day or similar situation. Only those people who seem to not care.