Tuff one that.
Boss is boss is boss ie.
Except when you are in command of that aircraft.
I reckon I know your boss, not personally, but he is of that mould and almost certainly a beaut bloke too. He will king of all he surveys.
Except when he is in your aircraft. The law recognises this and provides the black letter authority and the penalties if you don't exercise your authority.
That's where you are the boss, and I suspect that you would not get any argument from your boss. But it's not your boss you have to worry about its other staff, his business friends and aquaintances that might question that little concept. How do you reinforce this with them when necessary without causing offence, thats the trick.
We, the human race we, are for the most part programmed to respect authority which is usually identified by badge or uniform and also provides them with comfort and confidence if it also indicates a measure of proficiency/achievement.
The badge or uniform provide a means of identification to the passenger when he is in and around the aircraft and yes Chieftain, Cessna 152 or B747 the guy in the left hand seat is the Captain with all the responsibilties that entails. One pax or 450 the responsibilty is exactly the same.
Especially when their ****holes are connected to an aircraft which for most people including a lot of pilots are still considered unnatural acts.
I bet the boss and his mates wear a uniform everyday that marks them out in their particular world.
In this context the oldest RPT captain in the world might be right.
If it is an ego thing then the boss is right,
If handled with grace and the force of your own professionalism an apprpriate uniform might just make the difference on the day when it counts.
I'll bet if you have this discussion with the boss as to why you think this will make his ops a little safer he'll twig straight away.
It is a bit of a mind thingy.
Personally,
Wings maybe
Epaulettes mandatory in and around the aircraft and airstrip. People are nervous in this environment and appreciate having someone around that they can identify with.
Outback neat tidy (khaki) collar at least, you're gonna hate this, but long sleeves and trousers for workplace safety reasons and if you're carrying and unloading cargo appropriate safety boots. The AME won't renew your medical if you can't walk into andout of the surgery.
Anyways that my reading??