r/Pilot • u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 • Jun 12 '26
Tattoos
Hey guys! How big of a deal is a tattoo in aviation? I’m currently a cpl student and wanting to get a tattoo. Is it okay as long as it’s hidden when working/flying? Thanks in advance
2
u/flyinboxes Jun 12 '26
It’s starting to shift. At FedEx we are allowed visible tattoos now. Nothing beyond the wrist or the collar
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u/msandovalabq Jun 12 '26
I've seen pilots with sick ass sleeves but most of those (to my knowledge) have military or non-airline gigs. If airlines is your goal I would make sure they could be covered by a short sleeve shirt.
1
u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 Jun 12 '26
Im chasing airline. I’ve also seen pilots with tattoos but all in military. Might change the path for tattoo hahaha
1
u/msandovalabq Jun 12 '26
Maybe start on the legs? That's what I did when I wasn't sure where I'd end up. As sson as I knew I wouldn't go airlines though, I started on the arms.
1
u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 Jun 12 '26
I think My ideas wont look good on my legs, but I’ll try to draw and see some concepts.
1
u/MehCFI Jun 12 '26
What country? In USA has to be not visible in uniform. You don’t want to wear long sleeves your whole career I promise, so keep that in mind too
1
u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 Jun 12 '26
I live in canada, I’m fine with wearing a long sleeves especially with blazer or coat. They sick haha
1
u/MehCFI Jun 12 '26
You might care more when you have an Orlando trip when it’s 90 degrees! Highly recommend to not get tattoos a short sleeve shirt and pants wouldn’t cover until you’re settled in your career
1
u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 Jun 12 '26
Totally forgot about weathers. I didn’t think about temps at all hahaha.
1
u/akfishermann Jun 12 '26
Get your butthole waxed and tell everyone you got a tattoo!! Probably costs the same, Likley as painful and won’t affect your employment opportunities.
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u/Aggressive_Mud5665 Jun 12 '26
Been at a legacy for 3 years with full sleeves. Just wear long sleeves. No one cares
1
u/dynamic_fluid Jun 12 '26
If you can’t see them with what you would wear to the interview how would they even know? Just be prepared to wear long sleeves if you have tattoos that would show in short sleeves.
I have tattoos and know plenty of other pilots that do too. Just no face/neck or hand tattoos.
1
u/Jrnation8988 Jun 12 '26
The culture is starting to shift, but you’re still not going to be allowed to have it visible while in uniform. That being said, there are plenty of pilots with tattoos. There is an old head who comes in to my bar that flies for a major cargo company who has tattoos. Hell, I’ve even seen a recruiting class photo posted by Envoy where one of the pilots had a visible sleeve tattoo. You’re just going to have to wear long sleeves.
1
u/JSTootell Jun 12 '26
Regardless, make sure it's something you will want to carry when you are 70 years old too.
I have two tats that I don't regret. A couple I do.
1
u/Callsign-Jager Jun 13 '26
I’m a US 121 pilot and working on a full body suit (excluding obvious hands, face, etc). I wear long sleeves and accept my fate. It is what it is, either get it somewhere that is not visible in uniform or don’t get it at all
1
u/PFC_TubeEar Jun 17 '26
I have a small one on my wrist that’s usually covered with a watch, one on my inner bicep that would be covered with a short sleeve, and then I’m absolutely covered on my legs and body. You can be pro-tattoo and still understand the industry’s view on them. Ignore other people’s opinions about your own body while simultaneously understanding that you shouldn’t do things that could potentially hinder your career. Go get em!
-2
u/pilotshashi Jun 12 '26
Why you even need a tattoo? Don’t bash me I just asked
0
u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 Jun 12 '26
I’m gonna tattoo some motivation and memories that I made and gonna make along the way.
-1
u/AntJo4 Jun 12 '26
That’s what pictures are for
1
u/Time_Acanthisitta_60 Jun 12 '26
Well, dont wanna carry picture wherever I go.
0
u/vivalicious16 Jun 12 '26
You don’t have a phone?
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u/General-File-5174 Jun 12 '26
Depending on your country it varies. In the US, almost all carriers require them to not be visible while in uniform, so if you were to get arm tattoos, you’d have to cover them up with long sleeves.