Trislander,
Not sure where your thread is going and if you received a full answer to your question. If your friend is looking to get a good understanding of the relationship of Captain and First Officer, and how airlines work, may I suggest the book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0671636030/customer-reviews/qid=1010620323/202-0853069-3813459" target="_blank">Fate Is the Hunter</a>", written by Ernest K. Gann. For anyone looking for an airline career, it's a must read. Do not bother renting the movie about the book (with the same title), since it has nothing to do with the book. (Typical Hollywood)
The title of Capt. in aviation should not be used outside of aviation. Also, it should not be used until earned.
There are schools that issue stripes to students, instructors, and examiners. That is something that I find in poor taste and I believe most of the industry does frown upon it too. Main reason is that the person wearing the stripes has not earned them. It does look funny to see a person hop out of a C-152 with three stripes on. Its like, "You have not made PIC in that aircraft yet?"
Anyone who wears their stripes outside of the aviation community does so for ego and ego does not belong in aviation.
I hope this answers your friend's question and to anyone looking for an aviation career, do read "<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0671636030/customer-reviews/qid=1010620323/202-0853069-3813459" target="_blank">Fate Is the Hunter</a>", it was written in the 1950's and is still 100% relevant today.
Best of Luck,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
[Edited for Typo]
[ 10 January 2002: Message edited by: Naples Air Center, Inc. ]</p>