Wings – Pilot Proficiency Program

The objective of the WINGS Program is to address the primary accident causal factors that continue to plague the general aviation community. By focusing on this objective, we hope to reduce the number of accidents we see each year for the same causes. As you will see, it is not a simple “Award” program but is instead a true proficiency program, designed to help improve our skills and knowledge as pilots

The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program is based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience.

The program encourages an on-going training program that provides you an opportunity to fly on a regular basis with an authorized flight instructor. The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program consists of participation in three (3) Knowledge Activities and three (3) Flight Activities. Three knowledge-based activity credits are required for each phase and may consist of courses and/or seminars, either on-line or in person. Flight activity requires a specific Wings endorsement by any certified flight instructor, followed by an on-line credit authorization by a FAASTeam CFI.

The program encourages an on-going training program that provides you an opportunity to fly on a regular basis with an authorized flight instructor. The program is most effective if the training is accomplished regularly throughout the year, thus affording you the opportunity to fly in different seasons and in different flight conditions.

We recommend that all renters sign up for the FAASTeam at www.FAASafety.gov to learn more about the WINGS Program.

Our free monthly FAA seminars count towards your WINGS requirements.

WINGS LEVELS:
a. Basic Level
This level is designed for those pilots who want to establish a recurrent training program that will provide them a higher level of proficiency than merely preparing for a normal Flight Review as required by 14 CFR 61.56. In addition, because the Basic Level addresses primary accident causal factors, every pilot is required to complete a phase at the Basic Level at least once every 12 calendar months. This ensures pilots are aware of accident causal factors and possible mitigation strategies.

Note that when you earn a phase of WINGS at any Level, you meet the requirements for a Flight Review (reference 61.56(e)).

To earn a phase at the Basic level, you must complete three knowledge credits of instruction and demonstrate proficiency when required as shown in the respective PTS. These knowledge areas are designed to cover current subject matter that the FAASTeam has determined to be critical areas of operation, which in the preceding months have been found to be major causal factors in aircraft accidents.

A pilot must also complete three credits of flight activities. Completion of a credit of flight for this level of flight requires demonstration of proficiency in the Area of Operation(s) required for the credit sought, as stated in the appropriate Practical Test Standards.

This level requires the use of the Practical Test Standard (PTS) for the pilot certificate held or the Private Pilot PTS, whichever is lower, for the category and class of aircraft used.

A current listing of course material, subject matter, FAASTeam seminars, activities, flight requirements, and credit values can be found by going to your “My WINGS” page when you are registered on FAASafety.gov.
This list may change periodically, reflecting the dynamic nature of aircraft accident causal factors and FAASTeam emphasis areas.

b. Advanced Level.
This level is designed for those pilots who want a training program that will take them a step above Basic.
It affords you the opportunity, in concert with your instructor, to tailor the training to fit more specific needs.

To complete a phase of WINGS at the Advanced level, you must simultaneously complete or already hold the Basic level as outlined previously.

The Advanced level requires an additional three flight credits and three knowledge credits using the Commercial PTS for the category and class of aircraft used, or the Private PTS when there is not a Commercial PTS, or if completion of the Basic level used the Sport or Recreational PTS, the Private PTS will be used for this level.

A current listing of course material, subject matter, FAASTeam seminars, flight requirements, activities, and credit values can be found by going to your “My WINGS” page when you are registered on FAASafety.gov.
This list will change periodically, reflecting the dynamic nature of aircraft accident causal factors and FAASTeam emphasis areas.

c. Master Level.
This level is designed to give even more flexibility to your needs for specialized training. While most often this level will require the use of higher PTS standards, it will also allow for the addition of specialized equipment and flight environment training scenarios.

To obtain the Master level, you must simultaneously complete or already hold a phase at the Advanced level as outlined previously.

The Master level requires an additional three flight credits and three knowledge credits using the Commercial or ATP PTS for the category and class of aircraft used and the Instrument Rating PTS, if one is available for the category and class of aircraft used. A Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) may not be used at this level.

A current listing of course material, subject matter, FAASTeam seminars, activities, flight requirements and credit values can be found by going to your “My WINGS” when you are registered on FAASafety.gov. This list may change periodically, reflecting the dynamic nature of aircraft accident causal factors and FAASTeam emphasis areas.

The current list of subject areas at each Level may be viewed below:

Frequently Asked Questions >>

Rev. 04/01/2020