Spirit Jumpseat Beard Policy

I could guess that it has to do with a tight fit if you have to use the oxygen mask in the event of smoke in the cockpit? Even closely trimmed facial hair can compromise a good seal. There are standards for interior FFs, too, in that regard.
 
Bob Ridpath said:
I could guess that it has to do with a tight fit if you have to use the oxygen mask in the event of smoke in the cockpit? Even closely trimmed facial hair can compromise a good seal. There are standards for interior FFs, too, in that regard.
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From a CBC article that quoted a university study,

“
In the fall of 2016, they placed participants with facial hair ranging from stubble to beards grown to waist-length in a chamber where they simulated altitudes from 10,000 to 25,000 feet above sea level.
The men wore two different models of mask supplied by Air Canada while researchers monitored their blood oxygen saturation levels and tested respirators for protection against carbon monoxide or toxic fumes in the case of smoke in the cabin.
"It was 100 per cent success," she said.
"We had no one fail the study, regardless of beard length."
 
nwpac said:
From a CBC article that quoted a university study,

“
In the fall of 2016, they placed participants with facial hair ranging from stubble to beards grown to waist-length in a chamber where they simulated altitudes from 10,000 to 25,000 feet above sea level.
The men wore two different models of mask supplied by Air Canada while researchers monitored their blood oxygen saturation levels and tested respirators for protection against carbon monoxide or toxic fumes in the case of smoke in the cabin.
"It was 100 per cent success," she said.
"We had no one fail the study, regardless of beard length."
Click to expand...

Wow. Interesting. Certainly not the current FF understanding of Fit Tests and beards in the US. I’m personally glad to be done with it all.
 
Bob Ridpath said:
I could guess that it has to do with a tight fit if you have to use the oxygen mask in the event of smoke in the cockpit? Even closely trimmed facial hair can compromise a good seal. There are standards for interior FFs, too, in that regard.
Click to expand...

The was a rumor for a long time.

In a emergency we go to a pressurized mask to keep smoke out of a ill fit. It doesn’t need to be sealed as any “gap” will have 02 blowing out of it.

Furthermore, most of Europe and almost all middle eastern airlines allow beards. They are all equipped with the same masks as us. [emoji849]

The FAA AC stems from the old school plastic “Dixie cup” masks that weren’t quick donning.

I had a beard flying professionally for 5 years (91 and 135) and just recently had to lose it per my new job. Whatever. As long as everyone’s says because it’s our uniform policy I don’t have a problem with it. But saying it’s dangerous is a myth that needs to die.

Lastly, the 02 masks primarily purpose is to get down to 10k feet. Beard or beard it ain’t going to do anything for a proper fire onboard (Dubai UPS for example)
 
z987k said:
Nothing to do with the FAA. It's 100% company policy based on nothing but 1950s military styles and contrary to all studies.

That said from the pilot standpoint Hawaiian and Omni allow beards.
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We really screwed the pooch as an industry here. Beards and tattoos like sailors would have made the culture of aviation so much better.

Your resume should be your visible tattoos and you should start growing a beard the second you upgrade to captain.
 
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