Changing the Beard Rule
#121
You're correct that I thought the simple part was unanimous agreement among pilots that it is a dumb rule and the idea that beards are unprofessional is false.
Regardless of the union/negotiation talk, the idea that someone would come out and oppose allowing beards/support the current rule is mind-boggling.
Regardless of the union/negotiation talk, the idea that someone would come out and oppose allowing beards/support the current rule is mind-boggling.
GF
#123
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Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 79
The problem is, if you don't wan't people looking like "hobos," you'll have to establish some sort of standard to determine what beards are acceptable and which are not.
Simply stating "neatly trimmed" wont work very well, because one person's "neatly trimmed" is another's "hobo." It's a lot easier, from a policy perspective, to just say no to any facial hair or, in some cases, allow for mustaches.
There are just to many variables involved and there are more pressing matters for the powers that be to address.
Simply stating "neatly trimmed" wont work very well, because one person's "neatly trimmed" is another's "hobo." It's a lot easier, from a policy perspective, to just say no to any facial hair or, in some cases, allow for mustaches.
There are just to many variables involved and there are more pressing matters for the powers that be to address.
#125
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 29
The problem is, if you don't wan't people looking like "hobos," you'll have to establish some sort of standard to determine what beards are acceptable and which are not.
Simply stating "neatly trimmed" wont work very well, because one person's "neatly trimmed" is another's "hobo." It's a lot easier, from a policy perspective, to just say no to any facial hair or, in some cases, allow for mustaches.
There are just to many variables involved and there are more pressing matters for the powers that be to address.
Simply stating "neatly trimmed" wont work very well, because one person's "neatly trimmed" is another's "hobo." It's a lot easier, from a policy perspective, to just say no to any facial hair or, in some cases, allow for mustaches.
There are just to many variables involved and there are more pressing matters for the powers that be to address.
Perhaps over time the younger generation will be more accommodating, since they see professionals of all sorts with beards these days. I don't want to bring in the personal factor, but I'm training to be a pilot (I'm now in my thirties,) and I've have a very short, trimmed beard my entire adult life. Basically, I buzz my entire head at the #1 setting. I've held a professional position that entire time and have never been questioned about my appearance. It is a sacrifice I am more than willing to make, but I still find it random and unnecessary.
And the mustache thing is kind of funny, too, because I don't know how one could possibly argue they look more professional or respectable compared to a trimmed beard.
(On a different note I would argue being overweight could also go against the "professional standard," as well, but that's a whole different can of worms.)
#128
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 79
The moustache thing isn't about which one is more or less professional looking, it's mainly about which is easier to enforce from a standards point of view. The military and many law enforcement agencies do this by simply stating it won't cover the mouth nor extend past the corners of the mouth.
Personally, I prefer the way I look with facial hair (Van Dyke style specifically). However, if I work for a company that has grooming standards, I'm not going to really think twice about shaving.
#130
Eventually we will win this battle. Just like we won KCM. The rest of the world seems to get it. A nearly groomed beard is considered professional in 2018. Once this generation of pilots makes it into the higher ranks of mgmt, it will happen!
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