dailyloe.com – Alaska Air Group is eliminating a long-standing beard exception for Hawaiian Airlines pilots following their merger. The change comes via a significant revision to the Flight Operations Manual set for April 1. This policy shift aligns both carriers under a single uniform and appearance standard.
In an internal email dated March 23, Alaska System Chief Pilot Scott Day informed pilots of the upcoming changes. He stated all Boeing 787 pilots would begin transitioning to the Alaska uniform on April 20. Day specifically highlighted the new facial hair rule as a major policy revision.
He wrote that facial hair must meet specific requirements for FAA compliance and flight deck safety. The new policy explicitly states that beards will not be authorized. This reverses a unique allowance previously held by Hawaiian Airlines pilots.
Dave Mets, Vice President of Flight Operations, followed up with Hawaiian pilots on March 27. Mets acknowledged the significance of the change for many crew members. He stated he did not want to be insensitive or vague about the important issue.
Mets wrote that he fully understands many pilots disagree with the policy decision. He added they may never agree with it. The company engaged regulators multiple times over several years on this topic.
Mets cited cockpit oxygen mask manufacturers’ recommendations against beards. The FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute recently reaffirmed its long-standing safety recommendation. CAMI advises that beards should not be allowed in the flight deck.
The policy change aims to ensure compliance with FAA guidance. It prioritizes flight deck safety related to oxygen mask sealing. This issue remains contested beyond U.S. airline policy circles despite the new rule.
The merger integration continues with this standardization of pilot appearance. The move highlights operational consolidation following the Alaska and Hawaiian combination. It represents a tangible cultural shift for the previously separate airline workforces.[]
Source: AirlineGeeks.com
