I'm not a pilot but a part owner of a new jet. I would like to establish a new dress code (an upgrade from previous unwritten dress code) for the crew before the jet is delivered. We have not required wearing of ties, but I may consider bringing it back. Pilots look like they shop at WalMart but are fairly compensated.
What fractionals have a smart dress code that do not involve ties, and what might that be?
M. Farmer

 

I'd reccommend nice WOOL black pants, black shoes, black belt, and a company issue white polo shirt embroidered with person's name and "XYZ Flight Department"

 

I like the Logo/Polo Shirts idea. We use that with nice looking dress khaki's and dress shoes of an appropriate color. Very sharp. For the winter time you might want to consider customized logo leather jackets as well.

 

If you do not want your crew to wear uniforms (I.E. shirts with epaulets) then I certainly thing you should require some sort of matching slacks, shirt ,tie and Sport Coat. Most of us in this profession are proud of what we do and don't mind (maybe prefer) dressing appropiately.

 

Mike I'm sure your idea of fair compensation leaves something to be desired. Consider where your pilots live and adjust their pay on the cost of living, please.

As for the uniform. Button down shirts can look good without a tie. I prefer to wear white but, eh...your call. The wool slacks are a good idea. Khakis show dirt very early. Also, buy the uniforms please. Suck it up. Your pilots will REALLY appreciate it.

 

I personally wear a tie as part of my uniform, I feel this has a much more professional look, a fishing or golf trip with the guys may warrant a more relaxed attire like Levis and sport shirt. Polo shirts tend to lose shape and crispness after a few washings.

 

I've seen everything from jeans and a tee shirt to ties and epaulets for Part 91 corporate crews at my FBO. I'd say a "buisiness casual" look is the most common. Dress slacks of some sort, dress shoes, and a company polo is pretty standard fare though. This is my dresscode at the flight school and I'm quite comfortable with it. Comforatble enough that you can go all day and professional enough that you are taken seriously. Personally I like a darker color of khakis (because I have a habit of always getting my pants dirty when preflighting) and I wear a pair of Doc Martins. A little more substance to my shoes for a couple reasons: 1 pushing on rudder pedals because students don't all day warrents a little more support, and 2, I don't like the idea of flimsy shoes in the event that I make a forced landing somewhere and have to walk through a cornfield.

 

[QUOTE Polo shirts tend to lose shape and crispness after a few washings.[/QUOTE]


I agree, all Polo shirts that I have owned; lose their shape and crispness really fast.

 

saw a great combination on the Crew of a Lear 55 the other day at TTN... both pilots looked the part of "business executive" with darker Khakis, a lighter khaki dress shirt and nice shoes, appropriate for a pilot. Not too flat or bulky, but a nice looking business shoe... talked to the pilot and said the company does the Khaki look and similar in green in blue (darker bottom, lighter shirt) and no tie... keeps a more relaxed look but still professional... other requirement was the hair and it was one thing, short... i think the pilots dressed better than the CEO's 5 feet behind them

 

Think of your customers that may be on board. A tie may seem demanding and hard to deal with, while a casual look might seem layed back. Some customers might like the demanding side and some may not.