Originally Posted by
Badenoch
Epaulets and a brimmed hat do not automatically certify skill, experience and competence. I've seen pilots in dirty overalls and ratty ball caps do some amazing flying in marginal conditions without state of the art avionics.
True. But when in second or third world countries, a uniform carries authority and prevents a lot of problems.
I know people who fly their personal single-engine plane, and have learned to wear a "uniform" with stripes when in Mexico/Central/South America, where treatment by the local 'authorities' is much different when they are wearing the 'uniform' vs shorts and a t-shirt. Much less payola, much more cooperation.
It sounds stupid, but when you need a takeoff clearance form signed by the local commandante, a uniform seems to prevent a lot of silliness.
