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Cockpit Chronicles: Is it time for pilots to ditch the hat?
Call it civil disobedience. Or, for some, it's a way to express displeasure at management. Maybe the hat just doesn't work well with their haircut. Whatever the reason, pilots have been ditching their hats lately at airlines across the country.Some companies have heard enough complaints that they've changed their policy, making the hat optional for their pilots.
In fact, effective March 15th, that's the case at American Airlines. It's the most significant change to an AA pilot uniform since the Roosevelt era. Which isn't saying much, since the uniform hasn't really changed at all since then.
No surveys were taken, although getting rid of hats would surely have been a popular move among most pilots. Doing away with hats started years ago with flight attendants before gaining momentum among pilots.
American Eagle went to the optional hat years ago.
There's been a movement to bring back hats for men regardless of their profession. But it doesn't seem to be gaining any traction as far as I can tell.
Internal employee message boards have debated the policy at length. Some pilots say the hats are keeping with a more professional appearance, while others cite examples of being mistaken for a skycap while waiting for a hotel van at the airport.
The hat has proven to be useful during an evacuation, as passengers can recognize who the pilots are as they're assembling outside the plane. But it doesn't really serve any other function. We certainly don't wear them in the cockpit (something that is sure to get a laugh when pilots watch a flying movie where the aviators are all wearing their hats and jackets).I actually have mixed feelings about the change. I've become rather used to wearing my 'helmet' over the years, and while it isn't being done away with entirely-it's the pilots option whether or not to wear it-I suspect I'll go for the convenience of leaving it at home. Especially given the long commute ahead of me starting this summer.
Maybe I'll bring it back for my retirement flight. Or should switch to an entirely different kind of pilot hat like this one.
I'm curious what you think. Are pilot hats a goofy throwback to a bygone era? Or do the hats add a touch of professionalism to the job?
| Yes | |
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| No |
Cockpit Chronicles takes you along on some of Kent's trips as an international co-pilot on the Boeing 757 and 767 based in Boston. Have any questions for Kent? Check out the Cockpit Chronicles Facebook page or follow Kent on Twitter @veryjr.
Filed under: The Cockpit Chronicles
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Mar 22nd 2011 10:09AM
Personally, I think the hat conveys an air of authority and professionalism. You wouldn't go flying in your jeans and a t-shirt because it wouldn't look good, and people would find it harder to entrust their lives to you. The pilot's hat is part of the uniform, just as it is for police officers; you wouldn't see them on the beat without their hat either.
Charley Mar 22nd 2011 10:48AM
Hats that are functionless serve only as a fashion / uniform accessory. I'd buy the "air of authority" argument if the wearing of a visor cap was limited to those who are actually in a position of authority. Skycaps do not fall into that category.
Joe Mar 23rd 2011 8:06PM
Pilots should continue to wear the hat. Regardless of whether its just a fashion statement, or for a practical use, it adds professionalism to the job. I think pilots need to give themselves more credit, and stop the "glorified bus driver" argument. It is a professional job, and should be treated as so. Its means authority to the passengers, it does not look silly, and we need to wear them, and wear them with pride.
Tom Mar 24th 2011 12:12AM
The cap on the head of the airline pilot and the epaulets on the shoulder are as much a symbol of authority as the badge on the breast of the police officer. The distinctive apparel of the cockpit crew is necessary to convey to the passengers a message of authority and competence.
It also reminds the wearers to conduct themselves in a dignified manner that is commensurate with the position they hold. Ditch the cap and you will soon find the walk through the terminal is slower. If folks don't recognize you as the pilot they are not going to step aside for you.
Kent Apr 18th 2011 1:25AM
Hats certainly create an air of professionalism. And, if you have a captain whose hair is still dark, or a first officer who is prematurely gray, the "scrambled eggs" on the bill makes it easy to tell who is in charge.
I see one problem. At the gate, everyone at American has a similar uniform. Gate agents, flight attendants, and pilots all wear dark blue uniforms with a suit jacket. The pilots are easy to tell, since they have the hats. If a pilot doesn't wear a hat, then unless someone notices the stripes on the sleeves or the wings on the jacket, he or she could be confused for a gate agent who is preparing to open a gate.
Kent May 16th 2011 5:29PM
I asked a friend of mine who is a pilot with American about no longer requiring the hat. He said it was a bad idea. The hat lends an air of authority to the flight crew. And in the era where security at the airport and on board is an issue, and too many people who are in authority don't dress the part, the idea of a pilot wearing a hat any time he's outside of the cockpit makes sense.