Commercial pilot rank is rooted in military history. In the world of aviation, whether in today’s military or civilian sector, rank and uniform have always played a crucial role in defining roles, responsibilities, and status. From the cockpit of an Air Force or Navy fighter jet to the flight deck of major airlines, a clear hierarchy ensures safety, leadership, and coordination.
Quick Navigation to Pilot Ranks
Identifying Rank for Commercial Pilots
Background and Usage
Stripes, Insignia, and Symbolism
Airline pilot uniforms are more than just attire. They symbolize authority and professionalism. Pilot epaulettes (or epaulets), worn on the shoulder, feature stripes (bars) that indicate rank:
- One stripe: Second Officer or Trainee
- Two stripes: Junior or Second Officer
- Three stripes: First Officer
- Four stripes: Captain
| Second Officer – Relief or cruise pilot | Assists with monitoring systems and flying duties, often during cruise phases on long-haul flights; typically the most junior flight deck member. |
| First Officer – Co-pilot | Shares flying responsibilities with the captain; operates the aircraft, and assists in all phases of flight as second-in-command. |
| Captain – Highest-ranking/Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | Holds the highest authority on the flight; responsible for the safe operation and overall command of the aircraft, crew, and passengers. |
These stripes, along with other elements, such as insignia, jacket, shirt, and coat, convey meaning about hierarchy and can vary among airlines. They slide over epaulette holders on the shoulder. Some may attach with Velcro or are sewn on, depending on airline standards. Airlines typically pay for the first uniform. In some cases, pilots receive an annual uniform allowance. Pilots are sometimes required to purchase their own uniforms.
If you’re curious about how to wear pilot epaulettes or the full uniform, there are plenty of DIY guides online explaining where to place them on a men’s or women’s shirt, jacket, or coat. These details are important in maintaining a consistent and elite appearance across airline crews. A homemade pilot uniform is even a popular Halloween costume for young and old alike.
Fun fact: The word “epaulette” comes from the French word for ‘shoulder’: épaule.
Cabin Crew and Uniform Integration
Let’s not forget the cabin crew who take care of passengers and provide support to the grateful flight crew. Their uniforms also reflect category and ranking, though more subtly. Their attire typically reflects the airline’s branding and is designed for both functionality and appearance. Like pilots, they wear insignia to denote seniority or specialized roles.
Salary and Pay Differences
Salary is usually tied to seniority, but sometimes factors like years of service, aircraft type, and even region can impact compensation. In many cases, the speeding up of one’s career path is tied directly to performance, training, and opportunity. Pay and salary vary widely between positions and airlines. A Captain typically earns the most, followed by Senior First Officer, First Officer, and Second Officer.
“My first FO position was at a regional airline called Business Express in 1994. My first Captain position was at NetJets in 2006. I became a Captain at American Airlines in 2018 and am still enjoying that position. As Captain, I am pilot in command (PIC) and responsible for the aircraft’s safety and operations.” –Captain Stephen Austin, American Airlines
How are stripes used at flight schools?
At Epic as well as other flight schools, stripes are used to signify earned ratings. All Epic pilots dress in uniform (black pants, white shirt). When an Epic pilot solos for the first time, they receive a set of wings to pin to their shirt. After that, they earn stripes after passing checkrides:
- One stripe: Private Pilot
- Two stripes: Instrument Rating
- Three stripes: Commercial Pilot Rating
- Four stripes: Flight Instructor
How long does it take to earn ratings? This varies among all flight students, but at Epic the average time to earn each rank is:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): 3 months
- Instrument Rating (IR): 2 months
- Commercial Single-Engine License (CSEL): 2 months
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI): 2 months
The History and Evolution of Pilot Ranks
Pilot ranking has its roots in military tradition. Over time, this evolution carried over into civilian aviation, especially in commercial airlines. Today, airline crews are generally structured in order of experience and responsibilities, with distinct titles: Captain, Senior First Officer, First Officer, and Second Officer. The Captain is the highest ranking pilot, often referred to as the Commander. Their mate in the cockpit, typically the First Officer, serves as their immediate support. With rank comes responsibilities.
1900s-1910s
No formal uniform:
- Early pilots wore leather jackets, scarves, gloves, goggles, and boots to protect against cold, wind, and open cockpits.
- Clothing was mostly military surplus or even motorcycle gear that had been adapted.
1920s-1930s
A military influence continues:
- Early commercial pilots still wore practical flying gear (leather and wool) but began to adopt a more professional appearance.
- Some airlines begin to standardize appearances.
1930s-1940s
Commercial aviation grows:
- Airlines, such as Pan Am, introduced naval-inspired uniforms:
- Pilots wore double-breasted jackets.
- Gold braid indicated rank.
- Formal caps sported airline insignia (early branding).
- The obvious goal was to project authority and competence to build trust in passengers.
1950s-1960s
The Jet Age – Uniforms are sharper, sleeker, and more formal:
- Epaulets and winged badges became standard issue to indicate pilot rank.
- Airlines emphasized the glamorous image of airline pilots.
1970s-1990s
Core look (navy or black suits with gold bars) remains today:
- Minor updates appeared for comfort and modern styling.
- Airlines experimented with subtle color changes and branding elements.
2000s-Today
Modern fabrics for comfort and breathability:
- More focus on brand identity led to unique colors and custom insignia.
- A few airlines slightly relaxed standards (e.g., no ties on some flights).
- Uniforms are still highly professional, with rank clearly displayed through epaulets and stripes.
No matter which airline you fly for or what uniform you wear, the stripes on your shoulders (and sometimes sleeves) communicate to everyone around you what rank you hold.
Differences Between Military and Airline Ranks
There are clear differences between military and commercial airline pilot ranks. In the military, a soldier may progress through ranks based on combat experience and leadership. In contrast, airlines categorize pilots by flight hours, simulator performance, and company seniority. Ranking systems can also differ by category of aircraft or regional standards.
The U.S. military includes a total of 37 unique ranks across its various branches, covering both enlisted members and officers. These ranks are divided into three main categories:
- Enlisted (E-1 to E-9)
- Warrant Officers (W-1 to W-5)
- Commissioned Officers (O-1 to O-10)
Since as early as the 17th century, military ranks were noted by epaulettes. General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, wore two epaulettes to indicate his rank.
A fascinating military historical note many people wonder about is what rank were kamikaze pilots in WWII? These pilots held various ranks, but many were junior officers or even enlisted personnel. Although some Kamikaze pilots were originally recruited as volunteers, their selection wasn’t determined solely by rank. As the war continued, however, increasing pressure and coercion became more common in assembling these suicide attack units rather than structured aviation progression.
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Why does rank matter?
So, why do ranks matter in commercial aviation? Ranks establish authority, improve communication, and support efficient operations. In emergencies, there’s no time for confusion. Everyone from cockpit to cabin must know their role and who to follow. The purpose of this structure is not just about tradition; it’s about safety, clarity, and teamwork.
