Hawaiian Airline pilots have beards, some quite thick. Not just foreign airlines. This was all from an Air Force study in the '60s using a particular antiquated oxygen mask that we don't use on airliners today. And just as antiquated, let's at least recognize that our rule is just an outdated rule not supported by modern science. We'll still follow it, cuz rules, but let's not be faux safety warriors in our own head about it.

Note: all Canadian carriers have reversed course due to this study. The research was pressed over concerns of requiring Sikhs pilots to shave.




BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – Air Canada will be changing its policy about beards and pilots thanks to research out of Simon Fraser University.

The previous prohibition on facial hair had nothing to do with style, but whether the pilot’s oxygen masks would still work with a beard, according to the airline.

But, when a Sikh man — who couldn’t cut his beard for religious reasons — applied to be a pilot, AirCanada asked SFU Director of Environmental Medicine and Physiology Sherri Ferguson to put the long-held belief to the test.

“They realized that potentially this could be a human rights issue if they did not have research behind their decision-making policies,” Ferguson said, noting the rules had been based on papers that had been written in the 70s and 60s. “So they called us and asked us if we could design a way to tests the masks.”

Her team tested whether beards would prevent masks from properly keeping away toxic fumes or providing pilots with oxygen if needed.

“We were able to confirm that regardless of beard length, providing the mask was in positive pressure mode, it protected them 100 per cent from any drop in blood-oxygen saturation level,” she said.

Positive pressure mode, also known as “free flow” mode, is when the mask is constantly flowing some oxygen so the pressure inside the masks is higher than the surrounding pressure, Ferguson explained.

She said their research is getting a lot of attention, noting she was surprised about how much the findings meant to some of the non-Sikh pilots too. Ferguson said their findings have also caught the attention of other industries.

“That took me back more than the results of our study,” she said.

Air Canada will now be changing their policy based on this research.

WestJet told NEWS 1130 that its pilots have been able to have short beards for about a year now.

 

Ok, I can't find it. Where is the NonRev dress code in the FOM?

Denny

 

For NonRev Policy specifically, go to TravelNet- full html site if you are on a mobile.
Top of the full html site there is a link to PASS POLICY. On that page, scroll to the bottom. “Pass Travel Policies”

Dress Code

You and your pass riders represent Delta when using your pass travel privileges.

Here are a few things to remember:

Look down – Bare feet are not acceptable; footwear is required unless prohibited due to a disability or physical condition.

Keep it clean – Your clothes, hair, and overall appearance should be clean. Do not wear dirty, stained or torn clothing.

Keep it clean, part 2 – Do not wear clothing that is vulgar, offensive or suggestive. This includes clothing that is sheer or inappropriately revealing.

Bermuda shorts, sandals and flip-flops are allowed, however bikinis and trunks are for the pool and beach – Swimwear, underwear and pajamas have their place – but it isn't on a plane.

Tattoos that may be offensive, vulgar, obscene (including profanity or nudity), controversial, inflammatory, or otherwise inappropriate in nature should not be visible. When in doubt, tattoos should be covered.

Looking good means being well-groomed, neat, and clean.

If you are using the jump seat, business casual, or your uniform is required.

If you travel in your work uniform, you may not order or drink alcoholic beverages on board.

The same dress code applies for pass travel on Delta Connection carriers. However, if you travel using a pass or reduced-rate ticket on another airline, check directly with that airline for any dress code requirements.




Exceptions to Delta's Dress Code Policy:

Pilot personnel should consult with Section 11 of the Flight Operations Manual for specific Appearance Standards while traveling in uniform or on Company Business. Those standards take precedence over any conflicting provisions detailed in this document.

Business casual or approved uniform attire is required when utilizing the jumpseat.



Conduct

You and your pass riders, including your Buddies, must conduct yourselves in accordance within acceptable standards of business etiquette. Here are a few things we expect from all Delta professionals and their pass riders

 

Thanks!

Denny

 

What are...Bermuda shorts?

 

Lack of faith in island stocks.

 

They're just shorts that aren't cargo, basketball, jockey, bike, etc.

 

And you must wear them with dark socks

 

Tall socks, to ignore, is to invite the ghost of Trimingham's.

 

You must be a joy to fly with ..
Get a life.
Beards are good with the O2 mask, just because you're stuck in the 1960s Air Force gig doesn't mean we can't change the rule.
Only in the US we don't allow beards, the FAA rule is smoke and mirrors.