Have you ever wondered why pilots have stripes on their shoulders – and how many of them do they have? If you thought it was just a retro detail or some kind of military homage, you were wrong, to say the least. These stripes are not decoration. They are a symbol. And if you're on board, you want the person in the cockpit to have at least four.
In a world where uniforms have become synonymous with routine, the pilot's uniform still carries an aura of respect and genuine power. And at the center of that aura? Epaulettes – those subtle yet meaningful lines that seem almost imperceptible at first glance, but in reality say it all: who is in control, how much experience they have, and how far they have come. So let's take a closer look at why four lines on the shoulder are worth a thousand words.
What are epaulettes – and why you can't just "put them on"?
Epaulettes are stripes, usually sewn onto the shoulders or sleeves of a pilot's uniform. They originate from the military world, where they were used as early as the 17th century to mark officer rank and statusIn aviation, however, they have established themselves as pilot advancement symbol – each additional ribbon is a recognition of more knowledge, responsibility, and hours spent in the air.
Although today they seem to be part of everyday uniform folklore, epaulettes remain one of the most respected insignia in aviation. And no – you can't just buy them on eBay and show up in the cockpit. Every line is earned with knowledge, sweat, and precision that leaves no room for error.
How many lines mean what? Here's the hierarchy of power in the cockpit
For all the curious – and for those who would like to know who is really flying the plane – the following line scale:
- One line: Cadet or pilot in trainingUnder the supervision of experienced pilots, he is still gaining flying hours and learning the basics of flying. In the cockpit, he observes more than he controls, but his dreams are already flying high.
- Two lines: Second officer or aeronautical engineer. He takes care of the technical aspects of the flight, system checks and equipment monitoring. Although he does not sit at the controls, he is a key part of the crew on larger aircraft.
- Three lines: First Officer (copilot). He/she works equally with the captain in all operations – from takeoffs to landings. He/she has a license to fly, but not yet full responsibility. He/she is the captain's right hand – and sometimes his/her left.
- Four lines: Captain, also known as pilot-in-command. Main responsible for safety of passengers, crew and aircraft. He makes key decisions and has the final say in the air. The one everyone trusts – even during the storm.
How a pilot gets his epaulettes – and why they're more than a diploma
To get their epaulettes, a pilot must first go through several stages of a demanding process:
- Theoretical training (you school), where he learns everything from aerodynamics to crisis management.
- Flight simulations and actual flying, where he shows that he can put theoretical knowledge into practice.
- Awarding epaulettes depending on the starting position. No one starts with four lines – everyone has to earn gradually.
Advancement requires accumulating flight hours, positive evaluations from superiors and a proven ability to solve everyday (and less everyday) challenges. The transition from co-pilot to captain usually takes two to three years of intensive flying, sometimes even more. Only after additional checks and tests can the pilot officially becomes captain – and receives the fourth line.
Do all airlines have the same system?
In principle, yes. Although the details may vary – some uniforms have thicker stripes, others are more minimalist –, the basic hierarchy remains the samePilot lines are the global language of aviation, understood everywhere – from Tokyo to Venice.
A little history: from the battlefields to the cockpit
Epaulettes began their journey in military uniforms, where they were a kind of status symbol of nobility and officersIn the 18th and 19th centuries, they adorned the shoulders of famous generals, often combined with gold fringes and elaborate cuts. If you could afford them, you literally carried your power on your shoulder.
As commercial aviation began to develop in the 1930s, airlines like the legendary Pan Am introduced uniforms modeled after the navy. Epaulettes remained – because they elevated the appearance of professionalism above the clouds. Today they are one of the few remnants of aviation romance., who have survived digitalization and low-cost flights.
Why is it important to know who has how many stripes?
Because it gives us a sense of confidence. In a time when we often don't even see pilots anymore, these few lines are a silent sign of experience, dedication and genuine responsibilityAnd let's face it - if there's someone on the plane with more stripes than a traffic cop, we at least lean back in our seats a little more relaxed.
