Many years ago I used to be checked by one of American Airlines retired "originals". He flew for them in WW2 and could even tell stories about flying right seat for Captain Ernie Gann.
Unfortunately, "Franks" experience did not extend to sartorial elegance in any form-indeed, he always looked like an unmade bed.
The policy at the Flight Academy was that instructors wore ties. One day another instructor looked at him and challenged his dress code. His tie was, as usual, covered in food and coffee stains and hanging around his mid-chest.
Frank replied by agreeing that the rules called for a tie but added:
"There ain't nothing in the rules that call for it to be clean ...or done up!"
Since none of us is ever likely to be in a position of strength like Frank, I support the tie (Clean and done up) philosophy.
Last edited by Lou Scannon; 30th January 2005 at 10:59.