WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS)
The WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program is a free FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) program designed to help pilots maintain and improve their flying skills. Completing a phase of WINGS satisfies the flight review requirement of 14 CFR 61.56. The program includes online courses (knowledge activities) and flight activities organized by proficiency topic.
Why This Document Matters
WINGS is the FAA's answer to the question "how do I stay proficient between flight reviews?" The program is organized into phases, each consisting of knowledge and flight activities across three topic areas that align with the leading causes of GA accidents: runway safety, aeronautical decision-making, and aircraft handling/control. Completing all required activities in a phase satisfies the flight review requirement, giving pilots an ongoing proficiency framework instead of a once-every-two-years check. The program is entirely free and accessible through FAASafety.gov.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Program Structure
How WINGS phases, levels, and activities are organized around pilot proficiency topics.
Program Structure
How WINGS phases, levels, and activities are organized around pilot proficiency topics.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Create a FAASafety.gov account and browse the WINGS catalog — many of the online knowledge activities are excellent free courses that count toward your next phase.
- Use WINGS as a structured proficiency program between flight reviews. Instead of cramming everything into one review flight, spread your training across ongoing WINGS activities.
- CFIs: conducting WINGS flight activities for your students counts as instruction activity that may help with your own CFI renewal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does completing a WINGS phase replace the flight review?
Yes. Completing a phase of the WINGS program satisfies the flight review requirement of 14 CFR 61.56. This means you do not need a separate flight review if you maintain current WINGS phase completion.
Is the WINGS program free?
Yes. The WINGS program is entirely free. Knowledge activities include online courses and FAASTeam seminars. Flight activities are conducted with a CFI (you pay for the aircraft and instructor time as you would for any training, but there is no WINGS program fee).
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- N/A
- Last Updated
- 2024
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program (N/A) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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