What do the Stripes on a Pilot’s Uniform Mean?
Ever notice the epaulets on a pilot’s uniform and wonder why different pilots have different numbers of stripes? It all comes down to their rank and experience level. Pilots-in-training are seen with one stripe. Sometimes even flight attendants have one stripe. Second officers wear two stripes.
Three stripes are worn by the first officer also known as the co-pilot or second in command. Four stripes are the maximum you can get as a pilot and these are worn by the captain who is ultimately in charge of the operations and safety of the flight as well as any decisions that need to be made.