You know there is a lot to be said about appearance. Someone who looks sharp commands more respect than someone who is sloppy. Many airlines are getting rid of the hats, the jackets, the wings. I have heard some pilots say they would want to fly in street clothes.

 

If I thought these people were actually bringing the pay down I would say something but they aren't. It doesn't bother me if someone brings a back pack to work. The last guy I flew with had one. He was an FFDO. I know guys who bring laptop bags and guitars too. I've yet to see anyone walking through a terminal with an Ipod on. I'm sure they are out there but it is such a small percentage that it really isn't worth my time.

 

If you think about it, from the first year pay perspective. My monthly pay after taxes was the equivalent of the cost for the company to operate the jet from the gate to the runway in ORD for one flight. So obviously, it's not about hats and clean shoes. I'm sure management appreciates our hard work but rewarding it is another matter.

 

I don't care what they bring to work....if it isn't right then they shouldn't do it. If that guy you flew with was a FFDO and is authorized to carry a backpack in some manner then he isn't breaking the rules. They can carrying guitars or laptops as long as they are carried appropriately.

I'll add to that remark that I don't know if it is against your company's RULES or not. The military has rules against such things (which have changed recently btw). They have gotten less restrict on some matters (like wearing a backpack) and tighter on others (like the use of a cellphone); but the fact is that IF there are rules then the employees should follow them. That is the aspect of professionalism that I am talking about. Why does the professionalism, or the lack of it, in your mind only revolve around whether it is reducing the pay? An E-2 with a family is probably making about as much (possibly less) as a first year FO at a low paying regional - but I still expect the E-2 to wear the uniform correctly and conduct himself in a professional manner since he is representing the US military; and if not then actions can be undertaken to correct the problem.

If it is against the company's rules and you are disobeying those rules - why would I think that you should be paid more? If you can't follow a simple rule like wearing your jacket or your hat - then why should I believe that I you are following rules such as whether an aircraft is safe to fly or not - or crew rest rules - or any other safety related rules?

If there aren't rules in place that prohibit wearing backpacks or your hat indoors, or grooming standards, then it is one person's opinion against anothers - and then NO ONE WILL BE RIGHT and you can do as you wish. Like Ben Wade said in' 3:10 To Yuma' [Every man's actions are right in his own eyes]

Btw - I'm not talking to you personally in this post Eric Stratton, I'm talking about the profession in general across the industry. I agree with you Eric in that since I have been on this board and read the comments I have taken a particular interest in finding these unprofessional pilots that people say are rampant in the industry and so far....I'm glad to report....I haven't seen them. As I said in an earlier post - thank you to all those professional pilots for the jobs you do getting me from point A to point B. I appreciate it.

USMCFLYR

 

USMCFLYR

The reason I was talking about pay is someone said if everyone looked professional (no back packs or ipods) that we could get higher pay. They eluded to it being one of the reasons for falling pay and working conditions. I thought you were making that same conclusion. Sorry if you weren't. My argument isn't that they are breaking company policy (they might be), it's whether they are professional or not by carrying a back pack, etc. I don't see how having a back pack is being unprofessional. I've brought one with me because I was leaving for vacation after my trip and didn't have the room in my roller bag. I didn't look or act any different other than having a back pack. The companies bag room has stuff stolen out of there constantly and there response when something is stolen. "Sucks to be you"

As for the hat, I'm not a fan and it just doesn't bother me if others don't wear it. I wear mine but will take it off if I get over heated or a headache. Neither of which I believe are being unprofessional.

Everyone breaks rules now and then. That's why they ask that question during interviews. (what regs have you broken) Just because someone doesn't wear the hat or jacket doesn't mean they are going to be unsafe. I knew a guy who would simulate engine failures on empty legs and he was all about looking sharp.

I think the original poster probably had a bad trip because the title of this thread is ridiculous when you think about it.

 

USMCFLYR,
As a fellow proud, professional military service professional, do have a slightly different perspective. I look at anyone who volunteers to serve in the military/firefighters/law enforcement differently than non military. I have much higher standards in more facets of their lives than I do in my fellow commercial airline pilots. In the commercial airlines, I get paid to move equipment. I am not paid to risk my life for said employer like the other professional groups that are knowingly risking their lives.
Another difference, and to me significant: Military treats servicemembers with a unique respect and appreciation. Most airline management teams have mostly just disdain for their pilot employees. Certainly little to no appreciation.
The total lack of respect by management manifests itself in uniform wear since many aren't all that proud to be employees of a company that has so little respect. I'd venture to guess that the better a professional is treated at their employers, the more professional they present themselves.
As long as my fellow pilots fly professional in the cockpit, I don't care if they wear bozo the clown outfits. It ain't the military <g>

 

Just after 9-11 it was suggested that pilots wear street clothes so that they could blend in with the passengers. The reason was so that they would not be a target for terrorists.

The FAA put a stop to is since they felt that during an emergency the four bars would command respect from the passengers.

Imagine going to work in business casual. I took a maintenance ferry flight once in the 757 wearing a polo and blue jeans. It felt strange.

Skyhigh

 

I call BS. There is no FAA requirement for having the bars. Besides, look at Virgin America's uniforms.

 

I've ferried planes in street cloths and it felt great. I can imagine going to work in business casual. It'll never happen though.

 

I received permission from my company to operate the last day of a 4 day trip in street clothes, it was glorious.