What do the stripes mean on a pilot's uniform?

Individual airlines can choose, often with their color and style of the uniform. Each pilot crew members uniform is decorated with an insignia representing his or her duties on board.

Pilots typically wear a winged badge indicating their qualification to fly and their seniority.


4 Stripes: Captain, The one ultimately in charge of the safety and operations of the flight.

3 Stripes: First officer, First officer is the second pilot (also referred to as the co-pilot) of an aircraft. Assist the captain through flight planning and updating communication and flight mechanisms.

2 Stripes: Second officer/Flight engineer, Second officer is the member of an aircraft's flight crew who monitors and operates its complex aircraft systems.

1 Stripe: Third officer/Trainee

Qatar Airways

Image credit: Qatar Airways

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