Stripes on Pilots and Flight Attendants Uniforms

What Do the Stripes on Pilots and Flight Attendants Uniforms Mean?

Have you ever noticed the stripes on the uniforms of pilots and flight attendants and wondered what they signify? You may have asked yourself whether these stripes and badges are merely decorative or if they indicate rank, organizational position, or work experience.

You might also wonder whether the use of these stripes and emblems is standardized across all airlines, or varies based on each airline’s policies and national regulations. In this post, we will explain the ranking system for pilots and the badges found on the uniforms of pilots and flight attendants. This article specifically focuses on the ranking system used in flysepehran. Follow Sepehran blog to learn more.

Pilot Ranking; Who Makes the Final Decision?

In the past, pilot uniforms were very different from what we recognize today. Pilots used to fly in open cockpits and wore clothing that protected them from harsh weather conditions and extreme cold. In the late 1930s, Pan American Airways decided to introduce formal uniforms for its pilots. Known by its abbreviation Pan Am, the airline operated from 1927 to 1991 and was one of the pioneers of international air travel during the golden age of commercial aviation. The original Pan Am pilot uniform consisted of a double-breasted jacket, trousers, a shirt, and a hat. The pilot’s rank insignia was displayed on both the sleeves and the hat. Soon after, other airlines followed this model and dressed their pilots in formal uniforms. Nearly a century later, the modern pilot uniform still closely resembles Pan Am’s original design.

The Meaning of Pilot Uniform Ratings

• One stripe: Indicates a student pilot who has not yet performed a solo flight and is only attending ground school.
• Two stripes: Represents a student pilot who has successfully completed ground school and is in the process of gaining flight experience.
• Three stripes: Signifies a first officer (co-pilot) who has completed pilot training and participates in commercial flights. A first officer becomes eligible for promotion to captain after completing 3,000 flight hours.
• Four stripes: Identifies the captain, the person responsible for the flight and the final decision-maker in all situations. Captains possess greater flight experience and knowledge than other crew members.

In the pilot rating system, there is also a rank for an instructional captain, who, in addition to the responsibilities of a flight captain, is tasked with training student pilots. Pilot uniform ratings not only reflect the rank and experience of the pilot but also determine who will make the final decisions in emergencies. Pilots also wear hats that feature the airline’s logo, but these do not indicate their rank.

Flight Attendant Uniforms; Brand Identity and Professionalism

Confidence, professionalism, calmness, and leadership are essential qualities that airlines expect from their flight attendants. These traits are reflected not only in their behavior but also in their uniforms.
Flight attendant uniforms have undergone significant changes since the 1930s. Initially, their simple and practical clothing resembled nurse uniforms and was designed to instill a sense of trust and calm in passengers. During World War II (the 1940s), as the demand for female flight attendants increased, uniforms took on a more military style to enhance the sense of discipline and unity.

With the advent of the Golden Age of flight in the 1950s and 1960s, flight attendants’ appearance became an essential part of an airline’s branding. Chic and colorful designs became popular, and the involvement of fashion designers became a competitive tool for airlines. As social changes took place in the 1970s, uniforms became more comfortable and informal. Short skirts, trousers, and even vests were added to the uniforms. Since the 1990s, uniforms have become simpler and more professional, with an emphasis on comfort and practicality.

In Iran, female flight attendants’ uniforms include a long coat and trousers, accompanied by a hijab and hat. For male flight attendants, the uniform consists of a suit, shirt, and vest.

Meaning of Flight Attendant Rank Stripes

• Half stripe: Flight attendants wear a half-golden stripe on their uniform during the first two or three years of service (depending on the airline’s regulations).
• One stripe: At the end of the second or third year, a single golden stripe is added to their uniform.
• One and a half stripes: From the third year onwards, until they become a head flight attendant, the uniform includes one and a half stripes. These attendants are typically responsible for managing the rear section of the cabin, from the seats near the wings to the back of the plane.
• One angle (yellow triangle): The head flight attendant, who stands at the cabin entrance to greet passengers as they board.
  One angle and a golden stripe: The senior or master flight attendant.

Uniform designers have always aimed to create a sense of trust and professionalism while also reflecting the culture and branding of the airline.