Safe for pilots to sport beards, says study

A clean-shaven face may not be necessary for pilots to ensure safety during in-flight emergencies, according to scientists who found that those who sport a full beard can also properly seal on an oxygen mask.

Several airlines require pilots to have a clean-shaven face as it is believed to be necessary to ensure a proper seal on an oral-nasal face mask during an emergency scenario.

Scientists from the Simon Fraser University in Canada conducted a study to determine the efficacy of face masks on different beard lengths.

They wanted to understand if present-day equipment delivers sufficient oxygen to protect a bearded pilot from hypoxia during an emergency scenario.

Based on the findings, Air Canada changed its policy for aircrew and now permits a maximum beard length of 1.25 cm.