Beards...what gives?!
- Thread starter ChasenSFO
- Start date
ChasenSFO
hen teaser
More like I suddenly realized we were pretty much one of the only countries in the world enforcing this and wondered if it was really a safety issue, hence the thread.
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
Hasn't stopped me before.
Blackhawk
Well-Known Member
Then you have not been to many countries. Some permit it, some do not. I don't think I have ever seen a JAL/KAL pilot with a beard.
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
It's not a safety issue. My company allows beards/goatees, and we have standard O2 masks. Talk to JetBlue pilots, too. It's simply a very common grooming standard (at least in the US) that's somehow been passed along as some safety issue. I've seen a number of international pilots with them (Cathay, BA, etc.).
Actually, when I jumpseated a lot at my former company (I had a goatee then, too), either the pilots didn't say a word about it or they were jealous they couldn't have one too.
NJA_Capt
Well-Known Member
While I have to agree about the soul patch (quite possibly the stupidest looking thing you can grow on your face), a goatee doesn't project a professional image either. Don't get me started on the mutton chops. They looked bad on Elvis in the '70s, why do people think they look any better now?
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
Personal opinion, I guess. Never had any trouble getting a jumpseat.
greaper007
Well-Known Member
I don't know, I think mutton chops look cool. The soul patch was alright when it first came out, but now it's so mainstream that it's boring. The same goes for the goatee, the first thing I think is "Hello 1995." I'm just glad that people are embracing adult characteristics like body hair once again. The 80s-90s hairless pornstar look never really appealed to me.
I'm not sure why facial hair and anything longer than a clipper cut is now considered unprofessional. Many military officers of the 19th century had shoulder length hair and massive amounts of facial hair. When you see pictures of them you don't think "Hippie," Rather, I think they look very distinguished and statesman like.
Here's my take on facial hair. As a guy in the current professional grooming climate there's very little you can do to occasionally change up your look. It's either part your hair on the side, mess it up or comb it forward. While making sure it never touches your ears or your collar. I think a lot of us are tired of our decades old hairstyle. Women have countless ways to change their appearance, about the only thing men can do is grow facial hair or wear a different tie.
NJA_Capt
Well-Known Member
200 years ago? Really
They also bathed once or twice a year and didn't have ready access to a barber. I'd like to think standards have improved.
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
It's true. It's best I shave it off and look 16 instead. That commands respect, yessir.
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
For the life of me, I can't figure out why it would be unprofessional looking. Many professionals in many different fields have facial hair. Doctors, scientists, lawyers, etc. Meanwhile, I guess I'm unprofessional for adhering to the standards in my company's GOM. Shame on me.
ChasenSFO
hen teaser
Perhaps. But I've seen Cathay, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Alitalia, Emirates, Aer Lingus, ect. Pretty much the majority of international pilots I see at the international airport I work at. I would say that there is enough of a reason to question if its a "safety standard" rather than a grooming standard, which is all I did. I don't see why you have so much to say about this thread.
...And watch what you suggest about Les Abend. He's doing one handed push-ups in the corner just waiting for a challenge.
Polar742
All the responsibility none of the authority
It's true. It's best I shave it off and look 16 instead. That commands respect, yessir.
Man, I wish we could have facial hair. I'd totally rock the old man and the sea beard I saw a LH CA have. Dude even had the pipe.
Not the same guy, but yeah, that's the idea:
rjmore
Gastrointestinally Challenged
I have my Goatee and bald head so I look scarier walking around ANC. Keeps the locals from being able to recognize the alternate airline pilot uniform (acid washed jeans from 1990, slightly wrinkled polo shirt tucked in, prisitine white running shoes, and walking like they are going to a fire).
Martin, come on over to the big green machine and you can look like the Gorton's fisherman!
Martin, come on over to the big green machine and you can look like the Gorton's fisherman!
LoadMasterC141
Well-Known Member
I would give anything to have just 3 days of growth always on my face. Shaving is the worst part of my life.
Pilotforhire587
Lycra Man
Go ahead, tell him his beard looks unprofessional. I dare you....
Dude, Chuck is getting old!