What the poster above me said.
I know a handful of airline pilots (UK airlines) with visible tattoos on lower arms who presumably wear short sleeved shirts during Summer (and don't have a problem), or long sleeves rolled up when on the flight deck.
To be accurate, however, all of them only had the further tattoos on their lower arms done once they'd been employed for x years at their airline, I guess because they felt 'safe' to do so.
As for your perception, that's all it really is, a 'perception'. There's some truth to it, but believe me, based on some of the people I know who are flying airliners, I really wouldn't worry about it.
Long sleeved shirts (not really a problem as you'll be in a suit anyway) for interviews, keep your mouth shut just in case, and again, don't worry about it.