UnlimitedAkro

Seems like most airlines dont require pilots to wear them, and most pilots dont wear them.

Do any airlines require them to be worn?

ERJ135

Doesn't AA require them? I thought so?

Booker

Last I heard, they are still mandatory at UA as well.

Lifeisgood

It's one of those controversial topics on what's more professional almost like military vs. civilian pilot candidate. With the obvious answer though.

AA, UAL, DAL require them. CAL only when wearing the jacket. Correct me if I am wrong.

What I noticed is that when people stop wearing hats too many of them overtime stop shining their shoes and even ironing their shirts and taking their pants and jackets to dry cleaning.

Is it connected to the profession going down the toilet? I think it is.
It is much easier to convince people that you are underplayed and overworked if you stay professional.

aa73

Nah, don't think so. In fact, it's been my observation that wearing a hat actually contributes to the downfall of this profession - because we look like bus drivers or curb side attendants. Is that who you want to look like/be paid like?

You'll notice that the most successful airline of all time - SWA - doesn't require hats. Their pilots make the most money out of all the PAX airlines. They seem very professional to me. Seems like the biggest legacies - old, outdated, low morale - are the ones that still require hats.

Hats are outdated and are on the way out. Yes, they looked professional, even glamorous, in their day. But the new airline pilot look is toned down a little, more like a businessman look. Still very professional with the blazer, instead of the leather jacket. But no hat.

73
hatless at AA

P.s. I bet this one gets at least 5 pages!

ExAF

I'll just post and answer to the question rather than pontificating on the merits of wearing said cover. NWA doesn't require the hat any more. I'll bet Lifeisgood is bald.

Patch

Or a retired Colonel...

poor pilot

I for one like the hat. It completes the uniform.

UnlimitedAkro

This is the whole reason I brought this up!

Last couple times I have cockpit-jumpsat at American, the capt's have asked where my hat is, and before I could answer, the FO jumped in with "it isnt required" or "the hat is a joke, and makes the uniform look unprofessional". and so on.

Many people think it is an essential part of the uniform, while others strongly feel like it should not be a part of the uniform...

Really I could go with or without the hat and be perfectly happy, but I was just trying to figure out why everyone is so divided on the hat issue??

ERJ135

I'm old school all the way. I always wear my hat unless walking around on ready rsv. Just wish I could get a hold old white Pan Am clipper hat. HAHE that would be cool.