Epaulettes are usefull as a PPL in some parts of the world (East and bits of Africa mainly), where they help get through the officialdom,probably why you see people like Polly Vacher wear them. Outside of these areas they just look stupid and are best left to those that are paid to wear them.:zzz:

Agreed. In Latin America I know of a few PPL's who wear white shirts and bars on the shoulder to be able to get around the airport. Otherwise, makes it difficult.

At my present (Middle Eastern) airline:

1 bar is Second Officer
2 bars is Junior FO
3 bars is Senior FO
4 bars is Captain

The engineers have gold bars overlapping maroon on the normal dark blue epaulettes.

At many other airlines, anything less than 3 bars is cabin crew!

I find that anything less than 3 bars gets confusing to passengers. While deadheading, I've been asked if I am a flight steward, but the J-class passenger didn't ask me for a drink right away.

I find that wearing a big watch helps clarify to those who are not quite sure that I am a pilot.