Hats
Due to the demise of my present hat which has served me for several years (it finally disintegrated), I approached uniform stores to obtain a replacement.
I was informed that "due to quality control issues" no hats were in stock of any size, and none were expected in the forseeable future.
So can we expect some guidance as to what to do regarding this state of affairs?
Is it now acceptable to report for duty without a hat? Unless I appropriate one of the tatty examples always lying about in the dispatch area, I have now no choice but to do this. Do I need the Captain's permission to go without a hat, especially if I am on a line check? And if a crew member does not possess a hat, should all the crew be similarly attired?
Perhaps an opportunity to come into line with our more enlightened colleagues in KA?