WINGS PROGRAM - Pilot Proficiency Award Program
The Pilot Proficiency Award Program, otherwise known as the WINGS program, is described by the FAA in advisory Circular 61-91H. Trade Winds Aviation, the FAA, and conscientious pilots recognize that although a pilot that might meet the regency of experience requirements as set forth by the FAR's, this does not necessarily mean that they are proficient and safe.
With this in mind, the FAA has established the WINGS program to give pilots the opportunity to participate in regular proficiency training. Although participation is voluntary, the FAA acknowledges its participants with a certificate of completion and a distinctive lapel or tie pin as well as noting it in their FAA records. Participation is recognized in lieu of a flight review and you can participate once a year, up to 20 WINGS phases.
Minimum requirements are outlined in AC 61-91H to include:
- Attendance of a FREE WINGS ground seminar. Offered at Trade Winds the second Thursday of every month, each seminar covers a different topic related to aviation safety. To find out what the next seminar will be, check out our calendar.
- You may also complete the ground portion of the WINGS program via internet courses offered and approved by AOPA. These seminars and courses always include training profiles which represent those phases of operation that have been identified by accident reports as phases most likely to produce accidents. All training places special emphasis on safety of flight operations.
- One hour of training to include basic airplane control, stalls, turns and other maneuvers directed toward mastery of the airplane.
- One hour of training to include approaches, takeoffs and landings, including crosswind, soft and short field techniques.
- One hour of instrument training in an airplane, FAA-approved aircraft simulator or training device.
- The flight training can be completed by any Certificate Flight Instructor in either a Trade Winds aircraft or your own. The Pilot Proficiency Award certificate and the appropriate "wings" will be awarded after the pilot's logbook is mailed and/or presented to the Safety Program Manager at the local FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Please note that many aviation insurance companies will give you a discount depending on what WINGS phase you have completed.
