Tattoo Policy at UK Airlines?

[rayzo]

Hi, I'm starting my PPL next month with the eventual goal of flying for the airlines. Just wondering what the tattoo policy is at BA, easyJet, TUI, Jet2, Ryanair and Wizz. I have seen that as long as they can be covered they're fine, which is nice because I have quite a big tat on my forearm, but does anybody know anyone at these airlines who does this? I'm also scared I will defo get rejected from any fully funded course if they see them (I know, its unlikely I'll get accepted anyway). The vibe I'm getting is just permanently hide them if you're a pilot, which I completely understand and kind of agree with, but am I good to continue or do I start getting it removed lol. Any help appreciated, thanks

[Speed_Trim_Fail]

Originally Posted by rayzo

Hi, I'm starting my PPL next month with the eventual goal of flying for the airlines. Just wondering what the tattoo policy is at BA, easyJet, TUI, Jet2, Ryanair and Wizz. I have seen that as long as they can be covered they're fine, which is nice because I have quite a big tat on my forearm, but does anybody know anyone at these airlines who does this? I'm also scared I will defo get rejected from any fully funded course if they see them (I know, its unlikely I'll get accepted anyway). The vibe I'm getting is just permanently hide them if you're a pilot, which I completely understand and kind of agree with, but am I good to continue or do I start getting it removed lol. Any help appreciated, thanks

Covered is fine, there are several colleagues I know who wear long sleeves for this reason. At some cargo airlines etc then having a tattoo on display so long as it wasn’t offensive wouldn’t be an issue. At BA etc expect to have to have it covered.

I’m an old fart so I won’t say I’m a massive fan of tattoos on a pilot - or anyone for that matter, but it won’t be a major barrier if you are sensible. That said a good quality sleeve is very expensive, money you should have put towards flying!

[rayzo]

Originally Posted by Speed_Trim_Fail

Covered is fine, there are several colleagues I know who wear long sleeves for this reason. At some cargo airlines etc then having a tattoo on display so long as it wasn’t offensive wouldn’t be an issue. At BA etc expect to have to have it covered.

I’m an old fart so I won’t say I’m a massive fan of tattoos on a pilot - or anyone for that matter, but it won’t be a major barrier if you are sensible. That said a good quality sleeve is very expensive, money you should have put towards flying!

Thanks for the reply, gives me some peace of mind no doubt! When you put it like that… 4 hours of Piper flying traded to have some ink on my forearm, maybe not the wisest of decisions

[Speed_Trim_Fail]

Originally Posted by rayzo

Thanks for the reply, gives me some peace of mind no doubt! When you put it like that… 4 hours of Piper flying traded to have some ink on my forearm, maybe not the wisest of decisions

Let’s put it this way - I know of at least one skipper with a full sleeve at the national carrier; he is a superb pilot, aviation professional and an absolute gentleman. It’s certainly hasn’t presented him with any issues whatsoever, but he does have to wear long sleeves. That said I was told by an FO the other day that we all should be due to skin cancer risks.

[Chesty Morgan]

Jet2 now allow cabin crew to have uncovered tattoos. I don't know but I can't see it being different for pilots.