Quote:
Originally Posted by avi8tor4life
I was not referring to an individual pilot being mismatched. And I was not saying that a hat makes you a professional. I was referring to a uniform; an outward appearance of unity amongst a group of people. We forget that we are in a people business. We as pilots must project confidence, knowledge, commandability to the people who see us in the airplane, in the terminal, and going about our jobs. I feel the uniform does this. Why else would I put gold bars on my shoulder and always wear a white shirt? That doesn't make me professional. I could be professional with out any special clothes.
Secondly the uniform engenders a self image around a common goal. Putting on that uniforms makes me see myself as .....A United Pilot!.....A Delta Pilot!....a XYZ pilot! One of the first things you are taught in the miltary is how to wear your uniform. It brings out the pride of the soldier. They are part of something greater than themselves. They are part of a team. My question was.....could bringing back the hat and keeping up the uniform (not everyone wearing all different parts of uniform; leather jacket on one guy, blazer on another, trench coat, hat on one, no hat, sweater etc etc) help to build much needed unity amongst Uniteds pilot group?
Well, separate your military mind set from reality. If there is anyone part of the "team" of pilots at United...it is me. And my hat is off, and I am still professional.
01-17-2011
