Why participate?
Regular proficiency training is essential to the safety of all pilots and their passengers. The objective of the ‘Pilot Proficiency Award Program’ (Wings) is to encourage pilots to establish and participate in a continuous Personal Recurrent Training Program.
Who may participate?
All pilots holding a Recreational Pilot Certificate or higher and a current Airman Medical Certificate, when required. In addition, uncertified pilots of qualified ultralight vehicles under FAR Part 103 may participate in the Wings Program.
How does the program work?
The program has twenty phases. Minimum requirements, which include specific subjects and flight maneuvers, have been established. In addition, pilots must attend one of the following:
- an FAA sponsored or sanctioned Aviation Safety Seminar
- industry conducted recurrent training program
- physiological training course
- mountain flying course
In addition to this, the pilot must satisfactorily complete three (3) hours of flight training with an appropriately rated flight instructor. The ‘required’ flight training profiles, defined in FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-91H, are established for airplanes, seaplanes & amphibians, rotorcraft, gliders, and lighter-than-air aircraft, and ultralights. As a regular airman (use CFI application if you’re an instructor applying under the CFI program), you may earn each phase award at 12 calendar month intervals. The program was designed to offer participating airmen and women a twenty-year recurrent training opportunity. Training profiles represent areas of operation identified by NTSB and DOT accident reports as the areas most likely to produce accidents. Involvement in an aircraft or ultralight accident will not disqualify you from participating in the award program.
Statistics show that pilots who participate in recurrent training programs have a much better safety record when compared to those pilots who don’t. This program provides a pilot with an opportunity to demonstrate and improve their flight proficiency and knowledge! Completion of any phase of the ‘Wings’ program satisfies the Flight Review requirements of FAR 61.56.
You will receive a distinctive set of ‘Wings’ and a certificate of completion for each phase, I through X. All applicants for phase XI through XX will receive a certificate of completion only. It’s a great reason to go out and fly with a CFI.
You may begin training any time, and the hours of dual may be in any order. It is not necessary to complete the ground training before flying. As you complete each part of the training, be sure it is recorded in the Record of Recurrent Training. Also, all flight training must be recorded in your pilot logbook by the instructor administering your training. In addition, once each phase is completed, the recommending instructor will endorse your logbook using the example provided in AC 61-91H, Page 4, Par. 9. A copy of the Advisory Circular AC 61-91H ‘Pilot Proficiency Award Program, Wings may be obtained by going to the following site: http://www.faa.gov/fsdo/awsp/
