Can Pilots Have Tattoos? Pilots and Tattoos Explained!

[@PurplePNW]

im a student pilot with neck and hand tatoos as well as full sleeves, im scared i wont ever get to be able to become an airline pilot due to strict policies.. probably will become a CFI and manage a career out of that until I can get them lasered off fully but its a big challenge. I regret the hand and neck tattoos because I got these years before deciding to become a pilot... we will see...

[@AviatorInspirations]

It all depends what the tattoos look like. The neck one is definitely a bigger deal than the hands, all depends how high above the collar it goes. For the sleeves, wearing a long sleeved shirt takes care of that, but the hands again, depends what the tattoos are. What country are you from? There are definitely lots of options still. Flying charter or medevac is an option, as well as cargo carriers that don’t fly passengers.

[@PurplePNW]

@@AviatorInspirations yeah the tattoos are mainly roses and flowers of sorts, I live in the USA so definitely a great deal of options for careers. Cargo would be an ideal option as well I didn’t think about that… and yes the hand tattoos are a rose and a butterfly on the rose takes up the whole top of the hand and my neck is also two flowers on each side of my neck one of the left side one on the right side they do go up a bit past the collar

[@AviatorInspirations]

Tattoo policies are slowly changing, so hopefully they don’t hold you back 💪🏻

[@MH-kc1eu]

Are non commercial pilots required to have 20/20 vision when they wear glasses? I’m looking to get my private pilot license.

[@AviatorInspirations]

For a PPL you can have 20/30 corrected or uncorrected

[@LordBagdanoff]

Really depends on the airline. Generally as long as they are not seen when in uniform that will be fine.

[@AviatorInspirations]

Yes, that’s the general guideline of you want to be safe

[@dt3963]

@@AviatorInspirations I have tattoos on both my hands. In theory, if I were to wear makeup covering them for my selection and then just wear gloves with my uniform on duty, there wouldn’t be an issue, no?

[@AviatorInspirations]

Personally I would be upfront with it. Wear makeup during selection but still disclose the information. Reason I say that, is airlines have grooming standards, so sooner or later someone will see the tattoos and if the company didn’t know, that will make you look worse. Also, gloves aren’t part of a uniform, so unless they are the colour of your skin, someone will find that strange and could make a report to the company. So I would be upfront with the company, ask them if they are ok with you wearing gloves or what they deem “appropriate” and then if anyone makes a report in the future, nothing will happen to you because you already got permission. Hope that helps!

[@dt3963]

@@AviatorInspirations thank you!!

[@joshuapayne9811]

So would a full sleeve tattoo be a issue for the major usa airlines? And what about cargo like ups or fedex?

[@AviatorInspirations]

Yes all major’s in the US prohibit tattoos, unless it’s fully covered up with a long sleeved shirt, then it’s fine. It doesn’t mean you cannot have tattoos, they just can’t be visible while at work. Cargo carriers don’t have written policies against tattoos, but you still need regional or other experience to get the hours, and some regionals also prohibit tattoos, so it’ll be challenging building your time.

[@parkerdixso8241]

Great video, very informative!

[@AviatorInspirations]

Happy you found it insightful 🙂

[@imrefez]

what about having a long beard will that be a problem?

[@AviatorInspirations]

Yes, long beards are a no go. Uniform beard, or goatee is the only facial hair tolerated at the moment at some airlines. Flight instructing and small companies flying medevac or cargo would probably be more tolerant, just the airlines have strict grooming policies.

[@uzi3963]

im planning on getting a finger tattoo of a cross will this affect my career as pilot in the long run ?

[@AviatorInspirations]

Probably not if it’s small, but the risk is always there someone might discriminate

[@jordanscott5273]

I’m a student pilot I’m trying to go 100mph to get my turbo time down just concerned about the hand tattoos representing my kids names. What’s your thoughts on it?

[@AviatorInspirations]

My personal opinion is that we are in such a pilot shortage that I don’t think a hand tattoo will hold you back. You can always be discreet and stick your hand in your pocket, or hide it behind your back in front of passengers. Maybe someone might have a problem with it, but there are so many choices for airlines that you will still have a successful career. Good luck on the training 💪🏻

[@jordanscott5273]

@@AviatorInspirations thanks you for circling back to me. Im ready to be a airline pilot slowly and surely knocking out the hours.

[@jordanscott5273]

@@AviatorInspirations do you have a video on college degrees or certificates? What’s your experience on school? What college degrees are worth it and really inspiring? Approximate cost? Is there more to it then just aerospace engineering?

[@AviatorInspirations]

I don’t because in Canada you don’t need post secondary education to become a pilot and have a successful career.

[@osher7788]

Hi Yaro, I was wondering what are the policies regarding facial hair? I remember I read somewhere many airlines do not allow it since it conflicts with the suction of an oxygen mask, same reason the army doesn't allow it (for gas masks).

[@AviatorInspirations]

With modern positive pressure masks, facial hair in practice is no longer an issue. Its no longer a safety issue, but old policies haven’t been updated. Airlines are allowing facial hair, but it can only be a certain length (trimmer #2 for example). So again, another slow change and each airline will have its own facial hair policy. No crazy long beards will ever be allowed in afraid lol

[@osher7788]

@@AviatorInspirations haha good enough for me! I was worried I might need to have the baby face look again. Thanks!

[@AviatorInspirations]

I’ve had the baby face look my whole life and typically get the “are you old enough to fly this thing” 😂

[@NNnNNiesss]

Hey man I’m doing my training right now but I’m thinking about getting a small tattoo on my ass, do you think that would be innapropriate? Even if not visible?

[@AviatorInspirations]

That’s a strange question

[@XVI200]

Can pilot have piercings

[@AviatorInspirations]

Good question! Conservative earrings are ok, but no septum nose rings and that kinda thing. Maintaining a professional appearance is key when those kind of questions come up. Always you ask yourself “does this look professional”.

[@XVI200]

@@AviatorInspirations thank you so much this is something I’ve been wondering for awhile you such big help thank you

[@AviatorInspirations]

Anytime! Let me know if you have other aviation questions 👌🏻

[@GHOST-tt2ch]

I have a full sleeve and I have on hand tattoo(lion) Will that be considered offensive from airline companies?

[@AviatorInspirations]

It depends which country. Long sleeved shirts are an option for the arm tattoos, but the hand can be tricky. Cargo airlines are also options with pilots and tattoos

[@GHOST-tt2ch]

@@AviatorInspirations I’m from the United States.

[@Stunna-xn6iq]

@@AviatorInspirationsoh my gosh thank you so much for this! It’s been my dream to become a pilot since I was a kid but I also have sleeve tattoos and now that I know long sleeve shirts are options I feel so much better.

[@AviatorInspirations]

Glad my video was helpful 🙂