The WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program is based on the premise that when you maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight you will enjoy a safe and stress-free flying experience. Requirements, which include specific subjects and flight maneuvers from the appropriate Practical Test Standards, are established for airplanes, seaplanes and amphibians, rotorcraft, gliders, lighter-than-air, powered parachutes, weight-shift control, and light sport aircraft. You may select the category and class of aircraft in which you wish to receive training and in which you wish to demonstrate your flight proficiency. All training must place special emphasis on safety of flight operations. Proficiency must be demonstrated to the applicable standard, i.e., Practical Test Standards or Industry Course Completion Standards, etc.

The WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program The WINGS Program is designed to encourage you to participate in an on-going training program that will provide an opportunity to fly on a regular basis with an authorized flight instructor. With this in mind, three levels have been designed to allow for flexibility in obtaining the level of currency and proficiency you desire. The program is most effective when your training is accomplished regularly throughout the year, thus affording you the opportunity to fly in different seasons and in the different flight conditions you may encounter. You may earn as many phases in a level as you wish.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program is designed to help you build a program of recurrent training consistent with your distinctive flight requirements. To accomplish each Phase of WINGS, you can attend safety seminars, take online courses, and demonstrate flight proficiency. You must earn 6 credits to complete a Phase of WINGS - 3 knowledge activity credits and 3 flight activity credits. To ensure you receive a well-rounded learning experience, only selected activities fulfill certain credit requirements. (You can see more details of the WINGS Program by clicking on the blue banner below.)

Although there are Advanced and Master Levels for pilots wishing to demonstrate a higher level of skill and proficiency, most pilots will be satisfied with accomplishments at the Basic Level. While you may earn additional Phases by completing 3 additional knowledge activities and 3 additional flight activities, the program only requires you to complete a Phase once every 12 calendar months.

Pilots may earn a Phase of WINGS using a seaplane, and get a distinctive Sea WINGS pin for that accomplishment. Be sure to modify your WINGS Profile to show you hold a seaplane rating. The system will confirm that you actually hold a Seaplane rating when you request the Sea WINGS pin.

The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program consists of three Levels – Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each Level requires an increased level of proficiency. For example, if a participant completes the Basic Level using Private Pilot standards, then the Advanced Level will consist of Commercial Pilot standards, and the Master Level will consist of ATP and/or CFI standards.

Participants can earn as many Phases in each Level as they wish. Phases are completed by accomplishing three Knowledge and three Flight requirements for each phase. Specific activities can only fill specified requirements in the WINGS Program.

Each of the elements in the WINGS program is based on an accident causal factor. Primary accident causal factors are addressed at the Basic Level. Additional accident causal factors are addressed at the Advanced and Master Levels.

In addition, because of the large number of reported runway incursions by General Aviation aircraft, and the real potential for a catastrophic accident, a thorough discussion of the decision-making principles associated with Runway Safety is a required subject (after September 15, 2011) for the Knowledge 1 - Aeronautical Decision Making activity.

Basic Level:
  Knowledge Topic 1 - Aeronautical Decision Making, including Runway Safety Issues
  Knowledge Topic 2 - Performance and Limitations, including Loss of Control Issues
  Knowledge Topic 3 - Pre-flight Planning, Risk Management, Fuel Management
        Alternate Knowledge Topic 3 – Other Subjects (See below)
  Flight Topic 1 - Takeoffs and Landings
  Flight Topic 2 - Positive Aircraft Control, including Loss of Control Issues
  Flight Topic 3 - Basic Flying Skills

Advanced Level:
  Knowledge Topic 1 – Pre-Flight Planning
  Knowledge Topic 2 – Other Subjects
  Knowledge Topic 2 – Other Subjects
  Flight Topic 1 – Category/Class Specific causal factors
  Flight Topic 2 – Category/Class Specific causal factors
  Flight Topic 2 – Category/Class Specific causal factors

Master Level:
  Knowledge Topic 1 - Pre-Flight Planning and More
  Knowledge Topic 2 - Other Subjects
  Knowledge Topic 2 - Other Subjects
  Flight Topic 1 - Category/Class Specific causal factors
  Flight Topic 2 - Category/Class Specific causal factors
  Flight Topic 2 - Category/Class Specific causal factors

(Category/Class Specific causal factors were determined after a review of accidents over a 2-year period for that Category and Class of aircraft.)

The “Other Subjects” referred to above are:
(The first four subjects are Primary accident causal factors; the other subjects are Additional accident causal factors.)
  Human Factors
  Basic Flying Skills
  Takeoffs, Launches, Landings, & Go-Arounds
  Weather, including VFR into IMC

  Aerial Application
  Aeromedical Factors
  Aviation Security
  Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)
  Checklist Usage
  Collision Avoidance
  Cross Country Flight Planning, including Pilotage, Dead Reckoning, Navigation Systems, or Charts
  Density Altitude Operations
  Emergency Training, including Egress Training and Land & Water Survival
  Exchange of Flight Controls
  High Altitude Operations
  Land and Hold Short Operations
  Maintenance and/or Airworthiness Related Issues
  Regulations
  Runway Incursion Avoidance
  Special Use Airspace
  Stall/Spin Awareness
  Temporary Flight Restrictions
  Wake Turbulence Avoidance
  Wire Strike Avoidance
  Other Aviation Safety-Related Subjects

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