If you are already thinking that a tattoo may affect your chances of an aviation career, then I think you already know the answer.
The number one job killer is a criminal record, followed by drink/drive convictions and ASBOs. From there you can go on down the list. Something as minor as a tattoo isn’t necessarily the the kiss of death, But ask yourself, exactly how could it be seen as an asset. Is this the image you want to portray?
Gang bangers, inmates and primal tribes have tattoos.
Not cultured professionals.
My recomendation is - no piercings or tattoos.
I would also go so far as to even recommend ‘no facial hair’ as well.
Sounds too radical to you? Then save it for after you have your dream job. Then you can push the envelope to what your company deems acceptable, not before hand.
I was having a pint with a UK Q400 copilot with a full sleeve. Nice lad, but I couldn’t help wondering how the next step was going to work out for him. I thought that being cool to his friends, could make him look totally uncool to his peers.