Facial Hair

[Mofallon86]

Hey everyone,

 

Just curious I guess. I have about two years left in the military before I start my training to be a helicopter pilot. Flying EMS is my dream job.

 

From every picture I've seen of the HEMS aircrews, they are always clean shaven. Are there any operators that let you grow beards or do you have to be clean shaven?

[Velocity173]

Yeah you can have a beard. Just has to be kept clean and trimmed to not interfere with your PPE (N95 mask).

[Mofallon86]

Thanks for the info.

[Azhigher]

Air methods will, I've heard it's a no-no with PHI. Perhaps someone else can chime in to verify that.

[aeroscout]

I saw an AEL guy with a well groomed goatee.

[Wally]

Getting hired with facial hair and a "this is my facial hair" attitude might be a problem, even if the issue is not overt. If the clean-shaven competitor gets hired and you don't, were the whiskers worth it?

Yes,there is some facial hair at work, but it's remarkable...

[Mofallon86]

I know it's not a huge deal, but after 9 years in the military it would be nice to have the option. I didn't know if there were any places that it was acceptable or not. Thanks for all of the info guys.

[Falko]

I know a pilot that showed up for an interview in running shoes, sweatpants, not groomed, wearing a cap , over weight and he got hired for a SPIFR position .... I guess once you have the hours, HR doesn't care much about your appearance.

[ridethisbike]

Last year at HeliSuccess a friend asked an industry "old timer" (not to say he's old, just been in the business for a while) about his beard. His beard looked like something out of the movie "300."

 

The response? "Everything looks professional on top, why doesn't the beard?"

 

Facial hair isn't looked down upon, for the most part, but it should look professional. Duck Dynasty or biker gang beards don't belong in this business, in my opinion.

[Mofallon86]

I can agree with that. There is definitely a difference between professional looking and looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway.

[gary-mike]

Some people look better with well groomed facial hair..... Just be and look professional. Maintain that professionalism until you feel you can get a job in your pajamas...... But then still be professional because THAT'S WHAT YOU SIGNED UP TO BE,!

[AeronauticallyInclined]

I can definitely confirm PHI has a strict no beard policy. Trimmed mustaches are ok. They seem to have a very military minded regime in this sense. They make it very clear on this policy even when you submit your application you have to agree. Yea I moved on when I saw this, I didn't leave the military to join another quasi military group. To each his own though.

 

I get what you’re saying though I was in the military for 8 years too shaving every day and it’s nice to be a civilian now and work at a company where you do have that option!

[Mofallon86]

I can definitely confirm PHI has a strict no beard policy. Trimmed mustaches are ok. They seem to have a very military minded regime in this sense. They make it very clear on this policy even when you submit your application you have to agree. Yea I moved on when I saw this, I didn't leave the military to join another quasi military group. To each his own though.

 

I get what you’re saying though I was in the military for 8 years too shaving every day and it’s nice to be a civilian now and work at a company where you do have that option!

 

That's exactly what I'm getting at. I understand that this is a professional industry and I will do whatever my company asks me to do. It's just nice to have choices.

[Trans Lift]

Go the utility road, you can do what you want!

[Flying Pig]

^you know you are a utility pilot when the locals mistake your for the town homeless guy.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Flying Pig

[Mofallon86]

I dont know too much about utility. I havent really looked into it.

[WolftalonID]

I never understood why God gave us men (and some women) facial hair to distinguish us as men. Then we go work for some company or military that insists on us shaving it off to look like a woman.

 

I get the trimmed, and well kept look....but I don't get the shave it off so I look good in make up look.

Well that said, I am sure to make a few less friends but its how I feel. I personally keep mine trimmed short but always there.

[Wally]

When you don PPE with serious intentions, whether an N95 or a gas mask, you will appreciate not having facial hair interfering with the seal.

[cryesis]

Ive personally never seen facial hair legitimately cause a seal issue with a mask.

[WolftalonID]

I have worn respirators for years when painting...never had a seal issue yet.

[helonorth]

Yea I moved on when I saw this, I didn't leave the military to join another quasi military group.

 

 

You may have been wise to do a little more research about PHI first. Nothing military (quasi or otherwise) about PHI. It's a pretty easy-going place with very little bs. A lot of the offshore companies will not let you on their facility if you have a beard. That's where it comes from.

[palmfish]

When you don PPE with serious intentions, whether an N95 or a gas mask, you will appreciate not having facial hair interfering with the seal.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but why does an EMS pilot have to don an N95 mask?

 

N95's don't seal anyways, do they?

[WolftalonID]

No they cant seal....but they can keep your lips warm on a chilly morning flight. Not that I have worn one while flying...just saying.

 

However for a warmer face, I would rather borrow my sons Darth vader helmet. Looks way cooler, and I dig the voice changing effect!

[Wally]

 

Pardon my ignorance, but why does an EMS pilot have to don an N95 mask?

 

N95's don't seal anyways, do they?

 

Communicable diseases, OSHA, I would guess? In 13 years, I've masked up a half a dozen times, once when the ambulance medics had their paper jammies on as well as gloves and masks. Even the volunteer firefighters gloved and masked up to help load.

All I know is that 'universal precautions' are an annually recurring subject and I have to be recertified every year with an N95. If they'll pay me time and mileage to do so, it's important to somebody who knows something.

 

WolftalonID-

N95 masks are also good for fogging up your glasses when you exhale. The program bought some with flapper exhaust valves 3 or 4 years ago to minimize that. I haven't had to mask up since....

 

The GoM guys should think about respirators, too- hydrogen sulfide is nasty stuff.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Wally

[helonorth]

I almost forgot about the H2S. I had to do annual training, including mask fitting for it. I had a SCBA in the helicopter. It was required by the customer, not PHI.