Std Deviation

Obviously you don't have JetBlue uniform pants.

HVYMETALDRVR

I work in a segment of the industry (not-121) that is full of ex-military and almost every one of us has a beard or goatee. Maybe it is because after getting out we are all excited to not shave. Also, with all the Call of Duty games and the movies like Lone Survivor, American Sniper etc. the whole elite SF soldier with beard, baseball cap, jeans, body armor, and M4 has gotten rid of most of the negative stigma of beards in the military. SF used to be the black sheep of the Army during 'Nam (think the Col. Kurtz/Marlon Brando character in Apocalypse now). Nowadays, SF is the fast track to promotion and one of the most well respected segments of the Army. That has been one of the main driving forces to get rid of the stigma IMO. As a result, in the civilian world I don't think there would be a ton blow black if more carriers starting allow facial hair (within reason). Especially since so many airline guys still have a military background.

That said I have a few friends at FlyDubai and all but one have a beard. Crap they don't even wear ties...

NMuir

The lack of facial hair came about with two things: women's suffrage and safety razors (notice no American politicians had facial hair once women were able to vote).

Really, prohibiting facial hair is about oppressing the male half of the species.

Captainbfv

Ok.... the "oxygen mask" excuse is total bull**** up to a certain point. If the beard is very long and bushy? Then yes it can POSSIBLY affect how much the mask seals to your face.

If the beard is neatly trimmed and not looking like a Taliban beard the mask will seal just fine.

How do I know? Bc I've had to wear the O2 mask when I was in the Middle East flying, had a beard, and needed to don the mask in a real smoke emergency.

I think many companies just have it as a policy Bc no one has really wanted to look into it, or stir that hornets nest.


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poor pilot

Put me down in the "Sick of shaving club too"

jcountry

That's just Rachael Maddow!

(I hate that dude!)

etflies

I have no problem with beards. We have guys who can't/won't get their uniform fitted properly, don't iron/steam wrinkles out, wear all manner of black sneakers, can't tie a proper knot with their tie or wear a hat (when required) but we draw the line at beards being unprofessional? Okie dokie.

2StgTurbine

To put another nail in the coffin for the sealing issue around the oxygen mask... there is a statement in many AFMs that say something similar to, "NOTE: Oxygen masks may not seal effectively unless the user is clean shaven." It is not listed in the limitations and is simply written does for liability purposes to protect the oxygen mask manufacturer. Why bother testing different levels of stubble/beard when they can just issue stating that you MAY have problems if you are not CLEAN SHAVEN. The clean shaven is another CYA statement. By the end of a max duty day, I have a very strong 5 o'clock shadow that I am sure the oxygen mask manufacturer would not consider clean shaven.

Spoiler

I want to add the extra duty of fishing hair out of the mask before the alcohol wipe for hygiene - in the dark

SydKat

I thought this post was about the girls y'all use to cover your Top Gun shirtless volleyball playing gayness. Pilots with actual beards??? Show me this in a Sporty's ad!

PS facial hair is icky and scratchy and doesn't look as good as you guys think it does. Just saying.