Get Your Wings

The Pilot Proficiency Award Program is a 20-phase safety and proficiency program set up by the Federal Aviation Administration. The idea is to give certificated pilots the opportunity to get more out of currency training than the minimal requirements of the flight review mandated by Part 61.56 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The program is commonly known by pilots as the Wings program because of the small metal wing insignia (or incentive awards, as the FAA calls them) that we get to wear after completing each phase. In addition to the wing insignia, participating pilots receive a certificate after completing each phase of training.

But pilots get a lot more substantive benefits from participating. Typically, the Wings program is structured to offer a more in-depth learning experience than the ground school portion of a standard flight review. The flight review requires "review of those maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the person giving the review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate." And, if a pilot is ever involved in an accident or incident, the FAA looks upon participation in the Wings program as a favorable sign that the pilot involved is conscientious about aviation safety.

Program requirements
Pilots participating in the Wings program must attend a safety seminar and complete three hours of flight training with a certified flight instructor. In most cases, flight instructors break up the flights into three one-hour sessions because the Wings program requires one hour of instrument training, one hour of air work, and one hour of pattern work. Air work usually includes control maneuvers such as stalls and steep turns. Pattern work is likely to include short- and soft-field takeoffs and landings and crosswind techniques. Once pilots have completed this initial review, they can continue to participate in the program by attending seminars, learning from flight instructors, and accomplishing a flight review all at the same time.

In addition to the flying requirements, pilots in the Wings program participate in a large variety of FAA-sanctioned safety seminars-presentations, meetings, discussions, and displays that are informative and educational. These safety seminars are where pilots obtain a "green card," a small square form with entry lines for signatures from the flight instructor and the person presenting the safety seminar. This form instructs pilots about where to send the completed card after they have finished three hours of flight training and provides other information about the Wings program.

Eligible participants
All certificated pilots, from recreational pilots on up may participate in this program. Since all certificated pilots must take a flight review every two years (some exceptions are defined in Part 61.56, such as obtaining a new rating or certificate), regardless of certificates, ratings, type ratings, or hours earned, the Wings program can help every pilot meet this requirement whether he has 75 hours as a private pilot or many thousands of hours as an airline transport pilot.

And you don't have to be an airplane pilot to participate. If you fly a rotorcraft, glider, or ultralight, you may also participate in the Wings program. Obviously, these different categories of aircraft have different flight characteristics and limitations, so pilots must perform different tasks appropriate to the aircraft that they fly. Pilots of powered ultralight vehicles, whose training is not covered in FAA regulations, may participate in the Wings program if they are trained by United States Ultralight Association-approved flight instructors or other approved powered ultralight flight instructors. In addition, flight instructors themselves may earn the various levels of wings by teaching in the program and by presenting, attending, or participating in aviation safety seminars or clinics.

Satisfying the seminar requirement
Any FAA Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) can direct pilots to safety meetings and seminars in their area. In addition, most flight schools, flying clubs, and fixed-base operators (FBOs) either participate in the Wings program and hold safety meetings and seminars or can direct pilots in their area toward a club, school, or aviation organization that does.

If you don't know where to find the nearest FSDO, check in the federal government telephone listings in your local telephone book, on the FAA's Web site (www.faa.gov), in the AOPA Airport Directory, or ask at your nearest flight school or FBO.

Identifying the insignia
After a certificated pilot completes each of the first 10 phases of the Pilot Proficiency Award Program (the official name of the Wings program), he will receive a set of metal wings insignia and a certificate from the FAA. The wings themselves, all "Air Force style," are described as follows: Phase I wings are bronze with the FAA logo, Phase II wings are silver with a star, and Phase III wings are gold with the star surmounted within a wreath. Wings for Phase IV through Phase VI are like those of Phase III with a simulated gemstone (ruby, rhinestone, or sapphire). Phase VII through Phase IX wings are gold with the appropriate roman numeral in the wreath. Phase X wings are a brighter tone of gold with the Roman numeral and five stars below and five above. There is also a special "Seawings" insignia for seaplane pilots who participate in the program. Since the program was recently expanded from 10 phases to 20, only the first 10 phases have associated wing insignia. Designs for Phases 11 and above have not yet been introduced by the FAA, so pilots participating in phases 11 through 20 earn the certificate only.

Getting more information
The FAA publishes an advisory circular, AC No: 61-91H, detailing the requirements of the Wings program. For a copy of this or any other advisory circular, mail a request to: U.S. Department of Transportation; Subsequent Distribution Office; Ardmore East Business Center; 3341 Q 75th Avenue, Landover, Maryland 20785. If you prefer an instant response, you can log onto the FAA's Web site (www.faa.gov). Or, you can visit any FSDO for information on the program and safety seminars in the area.

The Pilot Proficiency Award Program, better known as Wings, is an excellent way to keep up your skills once you earn your certificate.