Pilots' Uniforms

[Adam]

Since the conception of aviaton, the pilots' uniform has been one thing that has not really evolved. The Captain still has four stripes and the First Officer, three.

Does the uniform feed the ego?

Is it time we established a new method to determine the crew? Lets face it, the passengers know who the crew are and the crew know who the crew are (corporate aviation). The airport authorites are the ones who may need educating the most.

If there is another way, what could it be and how do you think thoes attached to the uniform (ego driven) would be willing to change?

[tornado]

I think uniforms are a good thing.

a) promotes pride and sense of reponsibility in your operation
b) gives passengers reassurance of who is in charge
c) looks professional
d) putting on a uniform "makes you switch into work mode"

The last one is interesting, as I honestly believe people behave as they are dressed, and mentally take on the values and duties of their profession....

tornado

[Alexander]

I agree with the work mode thing and I would say that giving a professional and a competent image is very important in the corporate avaition world where you are likely to be client-facing and spend time with the passengers in a way that a commercial pilot may not...

Alex