Are pilots Allowed tattoo?

Air New Zealand Tattoo Policy

An inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse nature of Aotearoa

Frequently asked questions

What’s changing?

From 1 September 2019 all employees will be able to have Tā Moko and non-offensive tattoos visible when wearing our uniform or normal business attire.

Who does the Tattoo Policy apply to?

This is an Air New Zealand Group policy that applies to all employees, contractors and third parties involved in the delivery of Air New Zealand’s services.

Why did we change our policy?

Air New Zealand is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the make-up of Aotearoa. Allowing our employees to express their individuality and cultural heritage through tattoos is the latest step on our path to truly embracing diversity and creating a workplace where Air New Zealanders can be themselves and thrive.

How will this affect the recruitment process?

As New Zealand’s most attractive employer and the number one place kiwis want to work, we get a large number of applications for every available role. We make no apologies for wanting only the very best talent to join us to help build a truly world class organisation. While our Talent Acquisition team will still process applications based on having the right skillset and fit for the role, no one will be turned down because of their tattoo as long as it’s not offensive or inappropriate.

What is considered offensive or inappropriate?

We ask employees to treat tattoos like they treat speech – you can’t swear, make hateful comments or lewd jokes in the workplace, neither can your tattoos.

We consider offensive or inappropriate to be anything that may:

Be identified with criminal behaviour or gangs
Use expletives
Contain imagery that would be offensive to the majority of customers i.e. nudity, aggressive
Be rude, lewd, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, or LGBTIQA-phobic
Be associated with violence, which includes anything violent or threatening violence
Contain inappropriate imagery, either as to content and/or magnitude, which would be considered inconsistent with Air New Zealand’s brand values

I’ve previously been declined for a role due to my tattoo, can I reapply?

Yes, you can apply for roles when they become available.

What happens when I declare a visible tattoo?

You tattoo(s) will be reviewed to ensure they comply with our Tattoo Policy. Where we are not certain as to whether or not a tattoo is offensive or inappropriate, the tattoo will be sent to our Tattoo Review Panel for determination. This panel is made up of a diverse range of Air New Zealand representatives from around the business and has the ability to seek external advice if needed.

Can Private Pilots Have Tattoos? Unraveling FAA Rules

In the world of aviation, pilots are often seen as the epitome of professionalism and adherence to strict standards.

Among the numerous regulations they must follow, many aspiring pilots wonder if having tattoos will impact their ability to join the ranks of these skilled professionals.

Tattoos have become increasingly popular and socially accepted in recent years, making this question even more relevant.

For private pilots, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has its own set of regulations governing various aspects of a pilot’s qualifications and conduct, but there are no explicit rules concerning tattoos.

Private pilots are allowed to have tattoos, but, like in any professional setting, there may be certain expectations regarding their visibility while on the job, especially when it comes to airline pilots. Visible tattoos may be discouraged, and some airlines have specific policies about tattoos that are visible when wearing a uniform.

Do you know what distinguishes private pilots from other aviators? Learn all about private pilot privileges and requirements in our helpful article.

General aviation pilots might have fewer rules about tattoos because people don’t see them as much. However, it’s still important to think about how your tattoos fit in with your job in aviation and finding the right balance between being yourself and appearing “professional.”

At PilotPassion, our aim is to provide you with the most interesting and relevant aviation content. As aviation enthusiasts and student private pilots, we strive to put ourselves in your shoes when creating this information.

Table of Contents

FAA Regulations Explained

When it comes to pilots and tattoos, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not have specific regulations regarding tattoos for private pilots. However, there are general aviation regulations that private pilots must adhere to.

General Aviation Regulations

The primary FAA regulation that governs private pilots is 14 CFR 61.113, which outlines the privileges and limitations of private pilots. While this regulation does not specifically address tattoos, pilots are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

In general aviation, there is more flexibility, and pilots can have tattoos as long as they are not offensive or distracting.

Many private pilots’ careers are not affected by their tattoos, especially if they are not visible while wearing a uniform. However, some flight schools and aviation employers may have their own policies regarding visible tattoos.

As a private pilot, consider the following when addressing tattoos:

Visibility: Tattoos that are not visible while wearing professional attire are less likely to cause problems.
Content: Offensive or inappropriate tattoos may be frowned upon in any professional setting.
Placement: Tattoos on the hands, neck, or face might be discouraged, especially in airline or corporate aviation.

It is important to note that the FAA’s primary concern is pilot safety and proficiency. Proper pilot training and following FAA regulations are ultimately more crucial than the presence of tattoos.

Exemptions for Certain Airlines

When it comes to airline policies on tattoos for private pilots, there are some exemptions in place for specific airlines. In particular, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have more lenient policies compared to other airlines.

Alaska Airlines permits small visible tattoos, as long as they are not offensive. This allows private pilots flying for the airline to have some flexibility in their personal expression, while still maintaining a professional appearance.

Similarly, United Airlines also allows small visible tattoos that are not deemed offensive.

If a private pilot is considering a career with an airline, it is important to research the company’s specific policies on tattoos. Each airline may have different guidelines on what they consider acceptable, and these rules are subject to change over time.

By being aware of the policies for specific airlines, private pilots can make informed decisions about their career prospects and their choice of tattoos.

Another option for private pilots with tattoos is to look into working with different types of aviation companies, outside of commercial airlines.

Smaller organizations or privately-owned companies may have more relaxed policies on tattoos, offering an alternative career path for those who want to maintain their body art while flying professionally.

Professionalism in the Workplace

As a private pilot, adhering to professionalism in the workplace plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive reputation and ensuring safety in aviation.

This section discusses crew appearance standards and their relation to tattoos for private pilots.

Crew Appearance Standards

For pilots and aviation crew members, following appearance standards is an essential aspect of displaying professionalism.

Airlines and aviation companies often have strict guidelines in place for their employees, including pilots, to ensure a consistent and professional image.

These appearance standards typically cover aspects such as uniforms, grooming, and visible tattoos. Most airlines do not permit pilots or crew to have visible tattoos while wearing their uniforms. This is because visible tattoos can be seen as unprofessional or distracting in the aviation environment.

However, private pilots may not be subject to the same constraints as commercial pilots. Private pilots have more freedom to make personal choices regarding their appearance, including tattoos.

As long as the tattoos do not interfere with the pilot’s ability to safely operate an aircraft, they may not face the same restrictions as commercial pilots.

Private pilots should still consider the impact of their tattoos on their professional image. Avoiding offensive or unprofessional tattoos is essential, as they might negatively affect a pilot’s reputation and career opportunities. Even for private pilots, it is crucial to maintain personal professionalism in the aviation environment.

Tattoo Locations and Their Impact

In the world of aviation, tattoo locations can have a significant impact on the acceptance and view of private pilots, especially when it comes to FAA regulations.

In this section, we will discuss the different areas of the body where tattoos may be more or less acceptable, with a focus on face and neck tattoos.

Face and Neck Tattoos

Face and neck tattoos can be particularly challenging for pilots, as they are often considered taboo or unprofessional in professional settings.

I don't mind tattoos at all myself, personally. However, I'd think twice about taking a flight lesson from an instructor who had a skull and crossbones tattooed on his face! Other tattoos on the rest of the body are completely fair game IMHO.

While the FAA does not have specific regulations regarding tattoos for private pilots, it is essential to consider how these visible tattoos might impact potential job opportunities or other professional interactions.

For private pilots, the general consensus is that as long as tattoos are not visible while wearing the pilot’s uniform, it should not be an issue.

However, face and neck tattoos are difficult to conceal and can lead to negative perceptions or even discrimination from others within the aviation community or potential employers.

It is important to remember that the aviation industry values professionalism and a clean, polished appearance. Face and neck tattoos, despite gaining some acceptance in modern society, still carry a stigma that may be hard to shake in the professional world of aviation.

While the FAA does not regulate tattoos for private pilots, they should still maintain a professional appearance to avoid offending passengers and protect the company’s image. Employed pilots should familiarize themselves with their company’s policies and follow their guidance on acceptable tattoos and appearance.

Final Thoughts

Alright, so the deal with tattoos in the world of aviation is pretty chill for private pilots. Just make sure your ink is cool, not offensive, and you’ll be all set to soar through the skies without any drama.

Here’s a funny story to wrap things up: I heard about a private pilot who had a teeny-tiny airplane tattoo on his wrist as a nod to his love for flying. Whenever people asked him about it, he’d joke, “I always wanted my own plane, but this one’s way easier to take care of!”

So when it comes to tattoos and flying, just balance your personal vibe with a touch of professionalism, and you’re good to go!

Sean Walsh

My name is Sean Walsh, and I’m the founder and writer of this website. For as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in flying. A few years ago, I passed my check ride and got my PPL certificate! I’m now a private pilot with over 500 hours of flying time. Read more about me here.

Can Pilots Have Tattoos?

In a modern society, tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, and they are not as frowned upon in the workplace as they used to be some years ago.

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However, there are still certain job roles that will prevent employees from having any tattoos, even though there are some that are totally fine with it.

If you have tattoos, or you are thinking of getting tattoos, you might be wondering if this is something that is alright for a pilot to have.

We are going to answer all your tattoo related questions when it comes to pilots to put your mind at rest.

The rules may vary from airline to airline, but we will do our best to explain the rules surrounding having tattoos as a pilot. This way, you will know exactly what you can and can’t do.

Can Airline Pilots Have Tattoos?

Airline pilots can have tattoos, but they will need to be in places that are not visible. Any visible tattoos are highly discouraged in the airline industry, and they are often frowned upon, meaning that they can prevent you from getting a job as a pilot.

If you are a general aviation pilot, then this rule might not affect you so much, but otherwise, you will need to make sure that your tattoos are concealed. The general rule is that if you have any tattoos, they must be covered up by your uniform, and if this is not the case, then you might face difficulties when it comes to recruitment.

Being a pilot is a highly skilled job that will require a lot of responsibility, as this role makes you responsible for getting both passengers and crew safely to their destination.

Obviously, most people will be aware that having tattoos does not compromise your ability to perform in your job, but there are still people that view tattoos as unprofessional. This is one of the main reasons why tattoos are frowned upon, as there is a worry of how they will be perceived by the public.

The majority of airlines want their pilots to be portrayed as professional and trustworthy by passengers, whatever that might mean, and the presence of tattoos, in their opinion, could jeopardize this perfect image.

If you want to become an airline pilot one day, and you do not currently have any tattoos, you should really think about the consequences of getting one. Even if you see no harm in getting a tattoo, your employer might not think in the same way, especially if there is a policy against it. If you do decide to get one, make sure that it can be covered by your uniform.

If you do have tattoos, but they are not visible, your best bet is probably not to acknowledge them and keep them hidden. If nobody is ever going to see them, then it shouldn’t cause a problem.

The problem comes when you have decided that you want to be a pilot, but you have tattoos in places that are visible all the time. Unless you get really lucky with an airline that doesn’t mind about tattoos, you might want to consider having the tattoo removed.

Can You Have Tattoos in the Air Force?

There are strict rules for those that want to join the Air Force when it comes to body modifications. If you are planning on getting any tattoos or other body modifications, they ask you to carefully consider placement, size and content before you proceed.

Any tattoos, brands, or piercings that are anywhere on the body and are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or of a nature that might bring discredit upon the Air Force are prohibited.

So, any tattoos or modifications that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination will disqualify you. As long as your tattoos are none of these things, then they are allowed.

Though, your tattoos will need to be below an open collar if they are on the chest, and you are not allowed to have any tattoos on the head, neck, face, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one single-band ring tattoo, on one finger, on one hand.

Where Can Pilots Have Tattoos?

Pilots are typically only permitted to have tattoos in areas that are not visible when they are wearing their uniform.

Even though the stigma surrounding tattoos has come a long way, there are still people that associate them with negative connotations, and the airlines don’t want their pilots to be perceived this way.

This is why if you are a pilot, you will need to have tattoos in places that are not visible to anyone when you are in uniform. Having tattoos that are visible often can and will prevent you from getting your dream job as a pilot.