A closer look
While the hipster aesthetic is trendy in coffee shops, it is actively discouraged in the cockpit. If an aircraft suddenly depressurizes at 35,000 feet, the pilots have only seconds to strap on emergency oxygen masks before passing out. A thick lumberjack beard completely breaks the silicone seal of the mask, rendering it utterly useless. Consequently, airlines effectively mandate that pilots remain clean-shaven or sport mathematically acceptable mustaches to ensure they stay conscious.
