Why are airplane pilots banned from wearing beards? 2 surprising explanations

The image of a strong, confident and courageous person arises in our minds when we hear the words “airplane pilot”. How could it be otherwise? After all, we entrust them literally with our lives for the duration of the flight.

There can be no doubts in such cases. In order to maintain an impeccable image and strengthen a positive attitude towards their employees, airlines have developed a set of rules regarding their appearance. They are enshrined in the charter. But each corporation has the right to make adjustments.

The norms include the mandatory wearing of a certain form of clothing, hair length, presence and absence of stubble, tattoos on the body, manners and ability to communicate with passengers.

Thus, it is important to remember that in addition to professional qualities – flying techniques, ability to react quickly and make decisions in emergency situations – pilots are subject to other requirements.

Beard and mustache are banned for all crew members

Many airlines around the world still adhere to such rules. It is based on once conducted public opinion research. Surveys showed that men with even a little stubble on their face do not inspire confidence, seem aggressive and impolite. Therefore, pilots have to carefully monitor their appearance and take razors with them on flights.

Barbers in beauty salons also confirm this fact. Aircraft commanders practically do not turn to them for a beard or mustache service.

There is another reason why pilots are recommended to carefully monitor the lack of facial hair. It is connected with safety.

In case of emergencies, cabin depressurization and other emergency situations, the commander should be the first to immediately put on an oxygen mask.

An additional hair layer may prevent the mask from fitting tightly and will leak oxygen. This can cause the pilot to lose consciousness.

However, technological advances have made it possible to create modern oxygen masks that are superior to their predecessor counterparts. No additional obstacles, such as neatly trimmed beards, will affect their effectiveness. This fact has allowed for relaxations in the rules of appearance to airliner commanders.

For example, Cyprus Airlines has allowed its employees to keep well-groomed beards and mustaches. Their presence is a historical cultural tradition.

In the fall of 2022, a Russian company made almost revolutionary changes to the regulations for crew members. Pilots and flight attendants can also leave a little vegetation, have tattoos and even dye their hair.

But there is a small caveat. Self-expression must not interfere with the safe operation of the ship and cause a vivid emotional reaction in passengers. The company noted that they see no reason to strictly observe traditions that have lost their original meaning and have little relevance in the modern world.

Not all corporations are so free and progressive. Most airlines continue to adhere to strict rules regarding appearance. And along with the improvement of professional skills, they follow the strict observance of a neat image.

But pilots of private and military airplanes are luckier. They are not subject to the rules of civilian transportation. Here in each particular case decides the direct management of the board.

We wish you calm comfortable flights, soft landings and meetings with pleasant crew members. And whether they will have beards or not is not so important.