The Beech 1900 doesn't have a jetway...I spend quite a bit of time walking on ramps. I'm actually thinking of making my next footwear a pair of black roper cowboy boots, as long as that doesn't cause a problem.

When I'm in the terminal, my Oakleys go in one of the inside pockets of my blazer. I don't see why sunglasses matter, they all look goofy to me, so I might as well wear something that's comfortable and protects my eyes better.

I'm too young for soccer moms.

 

My dad got onto me about being professional and it cost me about $100 bucks in alterations. He gave me a number to a lady that does a bunch of alterations for him/his other fedex co-workers in the memphis suburb area. I am far from the "sloppy" pilot and get my stuff dry cleaned every 2 weeks and home dry cleaned every time I come home from a trip. I cant wear pilot shirts "out of the box" b/c I have a size 17 neck and 34in. waist- yea I think its called excercise if you are fat. I had never tailored shirts but man does it make a difference to have them tailored. The "V" just makes the suit instead of the shirt being all bunched up at the waist. You can shine your shoes 2-3 times a month (takes a whole 5 minutes) and keeping yourself well-groomed should not just be a "professional" pride, but a pride in yourself. If your shirt has the "yellow rim" at the neck- you can bleach it, takes NO extra time! I have a pair of raybans that I have had for a few years that I wear while flying- if I go into the terminal and forget to take them off beforehand they can fit in the inside pocket of the sportcoat or you can put them on top of your head if its for just a minute (such as running from the plane up to the gate agent for paperwork or something). As far as ipods- while deadheading or jumpseating I will use it in the back, in the cockpit or walking through the terminal its unprofessional in my opinion. I know some use IPODS while flying but how would you explain an incident investigation if it came back that you missed a radio call cause you were "jammin" and you almost hit another plane? Do you see businessmen walking through the airport with them on? Until we are in the cockpit how do we appear any different to the public while in our suit compared to business men in suits? Everyone can talk about reputations, cause everyone has one- its just a matter of "do you fit in" to the norm. I have had CA's put on the XM or MP3 player, and I dont say anything- but about 75% of the radio transmissions that the CA's have missed also have an amazing statistic of listening to something else through the ears. But- thats why there are 2 of us up there! These are just my opinions...

 

SAAB,

Since this thread has turned on you... I feel the need to say that I completely 100% agree with you. I have seen some crews (primarily mesa) that look as good as their company treats them.

Most of us use the excuse that we are young, that we don't get paid sh*t, or that we are too frickin tired to look 100% perfect/professional. But we should look the part anyway. We cannot expect treatment and compensation that we deserve when we look like total slobs.

Ipods are not unprofessional, but for God sake don't listen to them while walking around in the terminal or the airplane. All Oakleys look unprofessional, get some regular sunglasses (aviators make people look like complete tools). Doc Martens went out of style ten years ago, and they are designed to be worn with jeans... not with a uniform. Get some decent suit worthy airport friendly shoes, there are tons of comfortable ones that are under $100.

And for those who wear zipper ties (i am included in this one), we look like jackasses when we forget to tighten them up......so put some effort into remembering to pull them tight after a flight (I'm taking my own advice here). I see guys walking around all the time with their tie three inches below their collar.

Ok, speech over. Flame away.

-Quag

 

the zipper tie is the greatest uniform invention for pilots along with the sweater. its an instant way to look way professional with no work involved. i've even used the sweater as a conversation piece to bang an FA. it works, try it.

 

Nice I love the sweater I gotta say, I usually use the line "Hey I cant figure out my alarm clock" line with the FA, works every time

 

hahaha classic. and they try to rope us in with "i cant get my remote control to work can you come over and fix it?"

 

I got this one for an FA, "Hey, just calling to see what you're doing. REAL SEX is on HBO, want to come over and watch." No joke!

 

Thats awesome.............. But back to the topic at hand, some of these FA's need to do something, talk about unprofessional jesus......................

 

Lol. We thought we were broke.... you should see their checks.

 

an FA at skw makes 50 cents an hour less than me, but credits a lot more time in a month than me, so they should be buying ME dinner haha.