Pilots are not just operators of aircraft; they are also representatives of the field of aviation and responsible for the safety of passengers. That means they have to present a professional, trustworthy appearance, which extends to hairstyles. Many airlines require pilots to have neat hair, but what does that mean for hair length?
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In short, the answer depends on the gender of the pilot. Female pilots are allowed to have long hair as long as it is tied back and out of the face. Male pilots, particularly those flying for commercial airlines, usually need to cut their hair. However, standards are changing, especially as people begin talking about cultural sensitivity.
Here is everything you need to know about pilots and haircare.
Can Female Pilots Have Long Hair?
Yes, female pilots are allowed to have long hair. However, airlines and agency regulations require pilots to tie their hair up.
There are a few reasons why pilots have to tie their long hair up. One is safety. Pieces of hair can fall into the pilot’s eyes, making it harder for her to see the instruments or the flight path.
Another is professionalism. Commercial pilots have to make passengers confident in their abilities, especially passengers who are nervous about flying. Part of that is a neatly groomed appearance because, fairly or not, most people make judgments about others based on appearance. Most airlines mandate that pilots keep hair in a neat bun so that it looks smooth and is out of the way.
Can Male Pilots Have Long Hair?
Unfortunately, gender parity doesn’t apply to airline uniform regulations. Male pilots have a harder time flying with long hair than their female counterparts.
Some airlines outright regulate how long their male pilots can grow their hair, while others rely on unofficial rules and guidelines concerning “professional appearances.” Unfortunately, the public perception of men with long hair is that they are unprofessional and suspicious.
Since aviation is still a conservative industry, it is likely that a potential pilot will run into prejudices if he tries to get a license with long hair. Forums for pilots and aviation buffs are full of experiences, including those who say they were denied entry into flight school because of hair length.
However, there are options for men who want to fly planes and let their hair fly in the breeze. One is to switch sectors. The commercial passenger niche in the aviation industry is by far the most conservative in terms of appearance. Pilots who fly private planes, cargo, or taxis have looser uniform regulations.
Another option is to test the boundaries of a particular airline. Some pilots cut their hair short for interviews, then let it grow once hired. Others have their hair long but tuck it up under the pilot’s cap while flying. For creative pilots, there is always a way to bend the sometimes-silly uniform rules.
Finally, some airlines are open about allowing pilots of both genders to have long hair. For example, Virgin Atlantic doesn’t regulate hair length at all. A pilot who doesn’t want to cut his hair can just shop around for an airline that is more accommodating.
What About Pilots Who Have Long Hair for Cultural Reasons?
In some cultures and religions, long hair, including for men, is important spiritually. As the conversation around diversity changes in most global industries, the aviation industry is also forced to reckon with changes to its rules.
A recent case where a Navajo pilot was forced to cut his hair highlighted the problems with airline regulations surrounding long hair. In many Native American cultures, including the Navajo, long hair is sacred, and having to cut hair is a traumatic experience.
While many states and municipalities have regulations in place to prevent discrimination based on cultural hairstyles, called the Crown Act, this is not yet federal law. However, public outcry may force the aviation industry to modernize and become more culturally sensitive.
Can Military Pilots Have Long Hair?
As you can probably expect, the regulations for long hair are much stricter for military pilots. Rules are stricter about everything in the military because the structure requires discipline, and the stakes are much higher—literally life or death.
The U.S. Air Force has strict regulations for pilots. Men cannot have hair that is bulkier than 1.25 inches or longer than 0.25 inches. Women cannot have hair that is bulkier than 3 or 3.5 inches, although there is no minimum or maximum hair length anymore. No pilot can have hair that touches the eyebrows when groomed, wear fad hairstyles, or use too much hair gel or other grooming products.
The Air Force regulations are strict, but they are not in place just to control pilots’ appearance. Military pilots have to wear close-fitting headgear for safety, and that is not possible if their hair is too long or bulky.
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