The Fifth Stripe...and beyond...
I guess it was only a matter of time...
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April 01, 2001
Mid-South Airlines introduce new uniform for senior pilots
By HARVEY UNION
Staff Reporter of AIRLINE INTERNATIONAL
Houston -- Mid-South Airlines, the pioneering low-cost Texas-based airline, have again cocked a snoot at the majors, by introducing a new uniform for their senior pilots.
CEO and founder, Paul Y. Legg, said:
"Traditionally the number of stripes on a pilot's shoulder indicates his seniority or experience. Strangely however, only co-pilots differ, with one, two or three stripes depending on whether they are second officers, first officers or senior first officers. Captains all have four stripes.
"We thought it was time to recognize some of our more experienced training captains, fleet managers, and chief pilot. So from now on our uniform will consist of the following:
Line Captains: 4 stripes
Training Captains: 5 stripes
Fleet Managers: 6 stripes
Chief Pilot: 7 stripes
"We think this is the best way for the public to recognise our more experienced Captains.
"It confirms that all Chief Pilot's will need super-broad shoulders, and also explains how they manage to keep such a large chip on it."
(c) 2001 Reutgers News Agency