Why do Qantas pilots wear white hats?

Most airlines kit their pilots out with black or navy hats but in a nod to tradition, since 2016 Qantas has chosen white hats for its pilots. Back in the 1930s, when airlines were moving away from the helmet-and-goggles look of the Biggles era, they began outfitting their pilots with tailored uniforms that took their cues from the smart look of a naval dress uniform.

That meant a double-breasted jacket in black or navy blue with brass buttons, rank signified by gold braid sleeve loops on the cuffs – and a white hat. Over time most airlines abandoned the white hat in favour of black, including Qantas in a mid-1970s uniform redesign.

The new white-topped hat – which is waterproof to allow pilots to conduct the pre-flight aircraft walk around in all weathers – was reinstated as a reminder that Qantas has a long and proud history. Along with the uniform revamp, Qantas also introduced a new set of rules for its pilots – no chewing gum, no backpacks and don't hang the uniform jacket on a wire hanger – it distorts the lining, and causes wrinkles.

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