Try walking on the ramp in Mexico without a vest, you won't get very far.

Toronto I know requires it. I don't know why a company really cares. It's not like I'm jogging across the ramp at night. Has there been a pilot hit by something recently?

I believe it's one of those ICAO rules that doesn't get followed in the USA.

It is amazing the company is so concerned about pilot joe. The way we get treated they probably wouldn't mind if we got hit by a bag cart. On the other hand what has really been interesting to me is the strict uniform code at most airlines, espically the wearing of the hat even on the ramp. Now I don't really care if you make me wear the hat but ask any military guys, you don't wear your cover on the ramp.....to many moving parts. One day some unlucky fo will have to do the carpet dance when his or her hat flies off and gets sucked into someones running engine.

I know REX and QantasLink pilots wear them...

I suggested to the office that they just dye our uniform shirts yellow or orange. It'd save money and we never wear jackets in this climate anyway. Haven't heard back yet.

I know it's a change. But it is a good idea and it won't hurt anything. It could possibly save your life. Come on, I've never considered pilots as being fashion conscious anyway. Heck we all dress the same!

Yes, I agree. Safety is good. But, as a whole, the pilot group is very conservative and therefore, doesn't like "change." IMHO.

Excuse me for poking my finger at the holy grail of safety, but sometimes "enough is enough"!! Some days I feel like I'm carrying around this pack on my back filled with large rocks, each one representing some rule or regulation. All these differn't groups, each protecting their own rice bowl, add another rock to my pack, but no one ever takes any OUT.

I was talking to a FED the other day (great guy, ex Eastern, has his own tail dragger, been there-done that, knows the practical side of flying the line) and he just grinned when I told him "There's no way I can get by an entire day without violating some reg if you follow me around long enough".

On Friday, February 6th, management began distributing Employee Safety Vests to all pilots. This is a green vest with the word “FLIGHT” imprinted on the back and is to be worn whenever a pilot is working on the Airport Operations Area.

ALPA was alerted to management’s intention a few months ago and so long as management complies with our collective bargaining agreement, ALPA does not usually object to enhanced safety mechanisms. But because ALPA was not aware of the start date nor the required acceptance letter, we are advising pilots that they should not sign for these vests until ALPA has had an opportunity to engage management on the acceptance letter, the program, and all potential implications. We are aware that the program is scheduled to begin on February 15th and will get back to you with more information as soon as possible.

I'm not going to pick up mine until I have to!