Wrong again Mark,

At least according to the FedEx policy. As was pointed out, we're supposed to wear the insignia for the seat we're sitting in. Whereas I agree that once a captain, always a captain, I also agree that by wearing them, it causes confusion for anyone dealing with that flight crew, from the ramp guys to the taxi drivers to the hotel clerks. After all, if I were still wearing my 4 stripes, I'd make sure that the rest of my crew got the best rooms available, like I always did. Like I'm sure you do for your crew.:rolleyes:

As for your truly stupid statement about guys over 60 not being pilots anymore, well, what can I say, except that I was a pilot when you were in diapers, and unless you start working out more, I'll still be a pilot when they've planted you in the ground.:D

If the captain is feeling threatened or disrespected he can a. have his posse blow the mutha away or b. inform him he is not in compliance with the FOM and tell him he needs to be to fly this trip. What is the Big Jake quote (something like) if you can't respect your elders respect your betters.

That statement seems appropriate in as much as now I'm a pilot while you're in diapers. I guess that means you'll still be doing the FE's walk around preflight for 30 year old 727 Captains ...

All 4 of my grandparents lived to be nearly 100 years old. I plan to retire at 60 (assuming you old guys don't ruin that for the rest of us). Odds are good that I'll be around for a long time.


As for you old man ... you look great for your age. Almost Lifelike! :D



Regards,



Mark

Talking about stripes, how's this:

If someone is sitting in the s/o seat (with the ability to upgrade to a higher paying seat) for an extended period of time, let's say for example, 5 years, then that person would wear the 2 stripes of a Professional Flight Engineer, not the 3 stripes of a pilot/flight engineer. The same would hold true for first officers that do the same, but in this case they would wear 3 stripes that would go the length of the epaulet rather than the 3 stripes that go across the epaulet, as is normal. The 3 stripes the long way could be used to identify one as a Professional First Officer. That way, when the captain met his (or her) crew at the start of a trip, he'd be more able to gauge what he had to work with. How about them apples??:D

I saw a picture of you the other day in Mempho, and I wish I could say the same for you.:)

Hey Guys, It's a very simple issue. The FOM says wear the insignia commensurate with the seat.....period. It goes to professionalism as much as any other point. As for what to do with a non-conformist....well thats where the Captain of record (on the release) needs to step up and lead with a comment or stronger action if not complied with. The same goes for those who look like unmade beds in their uniforms. Soup stains and all.

I used to fly for a company where the FO's wore 2 stripes, the Captain's wore 3 and the Captain's with over 1500 hours in type wore 4. To each (airline) its own. I prefer we not wear stripes at all. Just pay me.

When PanAm received the first 747's in the early 1970's ... the 747 Captains wanted 2" Admiral stripes and 3 skinny (regular size) stripes.

I couldn't agree more. First of all we should all be professional. Secondly, if the "professionalism" is not happening, then the Captain should say something. Of course, it's usually not worked in the past, as can be seen by the various haircuts, mustaches, slacks, belts, shoes, leather jackets, flasher rain coats, blouses, hats, etc, that we all show up wearing on an almost daily basis. As well, our corporate culture hasn't really helped, with its "get along at any cost" attitude. How do you tell someone whose had hippy-length hair for the past 20 years that he now should get a haircut. Talk about being "grandfathered."

As well, if the captain is going to step up to the plate and try to make it right according to the FOM, then he or she is setting the tone for that entire flight sequence. So (as an example) don't tell me that my shoes aren't shined and then do 340 Knot descent, be unstable in the decision regime, and announce, "I'm going to land", after someone calls "unstable". The Captain sets the tone, both by his words and his deeds.

Wearing Capt's stripes as an F/E, or Pan Am 74 Capt's wanting extra Admiral stripes, might as well wear a t-shirt that says

I HAVE A SMALL WEINER