Ear piercings

Airline Pilot Questions & Answers
1

Hi, my name is milana and i’m 17. Im starting pilot school in December and i’m ecstatic about it, this website and the captains have been a great help clearing up confusion and educating me, but i’m still a little iffy on the piercing policy.

To my understanding from reading on here, i cant have visible tattoos and no face piercings (easy, wasn’t planning on any) but what about EAR piercings? Currently I have 3 lobes and 1 cartilage (left helix). I plan on getting a few more but now i’m reconsidering.

Im sure every airline company policy is different but what would be a standard “rule” to follow? Im completely fine with taking out my piercings, but are the holes going to be a problem in the interview process for my first initial impression?

Thank you! and sorry for any one reading this long thing i concocted, have a good night.

2

Milana,

Where are you starting flight school?

I would lay off any more ear piercings. I think most airlines limit it to two piercings per ear. Regardless of what the policies are, airlines prefer professional looking pilots. I do think the holes will be an issue, you might want to see about getting them closed up.

Chris

3

Thanks for the speedy reply! Im starting at atp at Naples fl for my private right now, but i do plan to work my way to commercial and the 1500 hours.

4

Milana,

It’s right about now you need to start making grown-up decisions. Do you need another hole in your head or do you want to be an airline pilot?

These are called priorities…

Adam

5

Milana,

Typically 2 per ear is the max. The holes shouldn’t be an issue as long as they are small (not like huge gauge holes).

Hannah

6

Ok! Thank you so much captains, I really appreciate it. You all have a good night!

Milana

7

Milana,

I went into my F.O.M. (Flights Operations Manual, aka company policy) and looked this one up (from a regional airline perspective):

“Makeup and Jewelry. Makeup and jewelry will be worn conservatively and tastefully.”

While there is not a number set on this, as Hannah mentioned, 2 per ear is the go-to non-spoken policy that I’ve even seen.

Brady

8

Captains,

Got it, Ill definitely keep that in mind. Again thank you.

Milana