Flight Manager
PeoplExpress, 1980s
To cut costs and encourage efficiency, PeoplExpress made every owner-employee a “manager.” By eliminating traditional barriers to productivity and easing formalities, the company hoped employees would serve their customers better. This strategy raised morale but caused confusion and actually hurt productivity.
This simple uniform, worn by pilot Mike Petrasko, was identical to that of other managers. It sports no “wings” typically found on pilot uniforms. The FAA eventually made PeoplExpress adopt more conventional uniforms to make flight crew more identifiable to passengers.
Gift of Mike Petraszko
Display Status
This object is on display in America by Air at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Uniforms: Civil
Manufacturer
Fashion World
Physical Description
Brown polyester, 2 buttons, 2 flap pockets, 1 breast pocket.
Dimensions
Clothing (On Mannequin): 80 × 53 × 21cm (2 ft. 7 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 8 7/8 in. × 8 1/4 in.)
3-D (Coat, Storage, With Light Padding): 82.5 × 84.5 × 3.8cm (2 ft. 8 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 9 1/4 in. × 1 1/2 in.)
3-D (Badge): 5.5 × 0.5 × 1.8cm (2 3/16 × 3/16 × 11/16 in.)
Materials
Synthetic Fabrics
Plastic
Uncharacterized Thread
Copper Alloys
Inventory Number
A19880327000
Credit Line
Donated by Michael S. Petraszko
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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