RAF Beards...?
"Yes, but without a look-down shoot-down RADAR the FRS1 wasn’t going to sit at FL nosebleed to detect targets - you could probably fly with the window open! "
It's a fair cop; only got to FL420 once!
Mog
It's a fair cop; only got to FL420 once!
Mog
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Just to clarify the above. I’ve flown LOX, GOX and OBOGS. I’ve flown clean shaven and with a (tatty attempt at) a beard. I’ve had smoke and fumes. I’ve ‘toggled down’ in anger; but I really, really don’t get this one. Whatever happened - if it turns out to be the beard’s fault I will marinate, sauté and then ingest my hat.
This is all because of a badly thought out policy, terrible implemented and now it's affected people with genuine med conditions who have been flying without incident for years.
If you're telling me that it's fine to fly with a beard on faith and religious grounds vs flying with a genuine medical condition, then that's legal grounds for discrimination.
This is just utter nonsense. Do some testing, on specific masks and make a sensible call.
Just embarrassing.
If you're telling me that it's fine to fly with a beard on faith and religious grounds vs flying with a genuine medical condition, then that's legal grounds for discrimination.
This is just utter nonsense. Do some testing, on specific masks and make a sensible call.
Just embarrassing.
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disproven in the university study “The efficacy of oxygen Delivery masks for Commercial Pilots with facial hair” by Sherri Ferguson SFU Canada.
Their summary; “The policy of a clean-shaven face is based on outdated research on obsolete equipment and testing on respirators not intended for aircrew oxygen delivery.”
This study tested oxygen masks from a320 and b767 so not military masks.
Their summary; “The policy of a clean-shaven face is based on outdated research on obsolete equipment and testing on respirators not intended for aircrew oxygen delivery.”
This study tested oxygen masks from a320 and b767 so not military masks.
A cynic might think all this activity was because it's an area the Duty Holders can actually say they've done something, rather than having to go through all the hoops of justifying spending money to solve an actual safety issue....
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Drove through the local village this afternoon which is where the local RAF Station FMQs are. Saw about 6 or 7 RAF Personnel in uniform and all had beards. Nothing against beards or this relaxing of the rules but it did not look good.
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Not when I was in, Brain Potter. I remember back in the 70s the only chap on the station who wore a handle bar moustache was a young equipment officer (as they were then called). He also drove a vintage sports car, and was obviously a frustrated wannabee pilot who was playing the part, as he saw it. Just looked at our 1972 squadron photo and hardly any moustaches are in evidence, thank goodness - never liked them unless part of the "full set"
Those that do not are not required to remove their beards.
What actual testing has been done?
Nothing published.
however Air Canada did a thorough study in 2018. Seems there is no problem.
Will people be able to fly according to their religious beliefs?
No official answer.
Will military personnel be allowed to fly in Air Tanker if their civvy pilots have beards ( the exact plane military pilots can't fly with a beard?) and therefore are they at risk if so?!
No answer.
Just hopeless.
Nothing published.
however Air Canada did a thorough study in 2018. Seems there is no problem.
Will people be able to fly according to their religious beliefs?
No official answer.
Will military personnel be allowed to fly in Air Tanker if their civvy pilots have beards ( the exact plane military pilots can't fly with a beard?) and therefore are they at risk if so?!
No answer.
Just hopeless.
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Previous posters have already alluded to the fact but I will echo the sentiments. I have spent the last two years flying with facial fluff. Admittedly it’s not exactly a full Brian Blessed but it is definitely a beard.
I have not experienced any issues and regularly operate in a variety of height regimes.
I understand that it polarises opinion but I think it is a welcome change. Besides, I have always hated shaving.
BV
I have not experienced any issues and regularly operate in a variety of height regimes.
I understand that it polarises opinion but I think it is a welcome change. Besides, I have always hated shaving.
BV
I hated shaving too but then I bought a Double Edge razor. It changed the experience for me.
Give it a go. You save a lot of money on blades and cans of foam as well.
You save a lot of money on blades and cans of foam as well
