DrBenny
New Member
Airline Pilots\' Image in the 60s
Well, I just saw "Catch Me if You Can," with Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. I liked the movie, but that isn't the point. What struck me was the difference between the image of the 1960s airline pilot and the modern one; and indeed flying back then as opposed to now. It really brought back memories.
1960s
Airline pilots were given near-hero status by default.
Airline pilots were highly respected.
Flying a 707 or DC-8 seemed like something only a demigod could do.
Flying the airlines was sohphisticated, romantic, and an adventure. People dressed to the nines because they were going on an adventure.
2003
Airline pilots are taken for granted by passengers.
Passengers almost never look admiringly at an airline pilot unless they themselves are pilots, or are married to or dating one.
Flying the airlines is a commonplace, extremely unromantic affiar, and would even be boring except for the occasional security screening.
People do not dress for flying; instead passengers and airport workers often immediately slip into a jaded New-Yorker whatsamadda-you persona, even if they're from Brooklyn, Utah.
What a shame. . . .
Well, I just saw "Catch Me if You Can," with Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. I liked the movie, but that isn't the point. What struck me was the difference between the image of the 1960s airline pilot and the modern one; and indeed flying back then as opposed to now. It really brought back memories.
1960s
Airline pilots were given near-hero status by default.
Airline pilots were highly respected.
Flying a 707 or DC-8 seemed like something only a demigod could do.
Flying the airlines was sohphisticated, romantic, and an adventure. People dressed to the nines because they were going on an adventure.
2003
Airline pilots are taken for granted by passengers.
Passengers almost never look admiringly at an airline pilot unless they themselves are pilots, or are married to or dating one.
Flying the airlines is a commonplace, extremely unromantic affiar, and would even be boring except for the occasional security screening.
People do not dress for flying; instead passengers and airport workers often immediately slip into a jaded New-Yorker whatsamadda-you persona, even if they're from Brooklyn, Utah.
What a shame. . . .