.jpg)
If you're thinking about becoming a pilot, be advised that you will most likely need to always have a razor on hand after you land the job because you wouldn't want to take to the skies without being well-groomed.
We realize it's strange, but if you take a moment to reflect on your most recent airline flight, I'll bet the pilot didn't have facial hair.
It turns out that there's a really unsettling reason why pilots avoid thick stubble, even though they can also just like a smooth surface.
Quite possibly, if the captain has a lot of fuzz on their face, they could be endangering their lives.
Following YouTuber Zack D. Films's simulation of what may go wrong when a bearded man takes to the controls of an aircraft, a tonne of social media users found out about the bizarre rule that certain airlines impose.
.jpg) |
| A lot of airlines don't allow pilots to have facial hair for a very important reason (Instagram/@zackdfilms |
However, if a pilot had facial hair, it would hinder the mask's ability to seal, which may result in an oxygen leak and unfavorable outcomes.
"This is why you typically never see a pilot with a beard."
Therefore, if something goes wrong in the skies, it's more important to save their ass than to worry about how they look.
Pilots, co-pilots, and other members of the cockpit crew wear specialized oxygen masks rather than the ones that drop for passengers, according to aviation company HRD Aero Systems, "because they have additional responsibilities and risks."
It appears that those in charge of piloting the aircraft are also required to put on the masks in non-emergency scenarios, such when they are alone in the cockpit, as it may save them a few crucial seconds in an emergency.
It appears that those in charge of piloting the aircraft are also required to put on the masks in non-emergency scenarios, such when they are alone in the cockpit, as it may save them a few crucial seconds in an emergency.
.jpg) |
| Next time you see a clean-shaven captain, you will know why (Getty Stock Image) |
"They must also wear the mask continuously when the airplane cabin has a pressure equivalent to 10,000 feet," HRD Aero Systems continued.
On rare occasions, pilots may also utilize their oxygen masks to enhance their night vision. Even in pressurized aircraft, the oxygen content is less than what we find on Earth. Night vision can become less clear at certain oxygen levels. When getting ready for a landing, pilots frequently utilize the oxygen mask to increase their vision.
"Oxygen masks for flight crew supply 100% oxygen in the first few seconds, immediately address any hypoxia symptoms, and can then be switched to a less-concentrated supply."
On rare occasions, pilots may also utilize their oxygen masks to enhance their night vision. Even in pressurized aircraft, the oxygen content is less than what we find on Earth. Night vision can become less clear at certain oxygen levels. When getting ready for a landing, pilots frequently utilize the oxygen mask to increase their vision.
"Oxygen masks for flight crew supply 100% oxygen in the first few seconds, immediately address any hypoxia symptoms, and can then be switched to a less-concentrated supply."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also clarified that many airlines do not permit its pilots to grow beards for safety reasons, even though there isn't a formal regulation specifically prohibiting them.
"We do not have any regulation - like a clean shaving regulation - but many airlines have policies requiring pilots to have no beards or minimal beards to ensure that oxygen masks fit snugly if they are needed," a spokeswoman previously told Thrillist.
"We do not have any regulation - like a clean shaving regulation - but many airlines have policies requiring pilots to have no beards or minimal beards to ensure that oxygen masks fit snugly if they are needed," a spokeswoman previously told Thrillist.
"We require oxygen masks to be functional, and airlines may take it further and require that pilots be clean shaven or have minimal beards to ensure that."
It all began with an FAA research published in 1987 under the heading "The Influence of Beards on Oxygen Mask Efficiency," which concluded that "the presence of facial hair reduces oxygen mask efficiency."
"Demand masks, such as those used in protective breathing equipment, many times cannot be donned rapidly nor seal effectively when used by bearded individuals," it stated.
As you are no doubt aware, everyone on board could perish if the pilot's oxygen supply is cut off in an emergency.
Though every aviation company is unique, they all have their own set of rules. For example, Delta Air Lines prohibits pilots from growing beards, but they do allow clean moustaches and sideburns that stop at the center of the ear.
Thrillist was also informed by an airline representative that "the need for an oxygen mask to maintain a good seal in the event of an emergency."
Similar rules apply to American Airlines as well, requiring captains to be clean-shaven.
The magazine was informed by a spokesman that "We do not permit pilots with facial hair to be on active duty." Actually, safety is the main concern. One of the largest and most crucial issues in our profession is safety."
Credit for the Featured Image: Instagram/zackdfilms/Getty Stock Image
Though every aviation company is unique, they all have their own set of rules. For example, Delta Air Lines prohibits pilots from growing beards, but they do allow clean moustaches and sideburns that stop at the center of the ear.
Thrillist was also informed by an airline representative that "the need for an oxygen mask to maintain a good seal in the event of an emergency."
Similar rules apply to American Airlines as well, requiring captains to be clean-shaven.
The magazine was informed by a spokesman that "We do not permit pilots with facial hair to be on active duty." Actually, safety is the main concern. One of the largest and most crucial issues in our profession is safety."
Credit for the Featured Image: Instagram/zackdfilms/Getty Stock Image
Comments
Post a Comment