4 gold bars. Really?

4 gold bars are a necessity in some parts of the world in order to show who you are, to garner respect, show of status, else you may be treated as someone less than human.

And in these pandemic times, being “flight crew” gets you into places that mere mortals may not travel. A “badge” can be very helpful.

Agreed as does a press card but it doesn’t mean you are a journalist. A newly minted ppl hardly qualifies anyone to wear four gold bars. I see abuse of uniforms and gold braid throughout Asia right down to security guards in shopping malls.

What then does qualify some one to wear four bars? A newly minted PPL flying in command, that is Captain of the aircraft, means that four stripes designate his role. India and Asia are two places where I know uniform and stripes ease dealings with the locals. If I saw a PPL decked out in uniform and stripes in a first world country I most certainly would look askance and think "******". Your own comment re abuse signifies the local attitude towards uniforms, they denote authority.

Meh! who cares? It gets results - as megan said - I'd add Africa to her list. It's hardly uniform unless you work for an airline. If an FO turned up to work in the cockpit wearing four then sure, take issue. But he was Captain of his aircraft after all is said and done.

A little humour - to soothe any dented egos. . .

But, but, Paul can't be a pilot, not wearing any wings, must be the purser. :p