Changes in WINGS Program scheduled for December

FAA WINGS

A resource for users of the Federal Aviation Administration WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program to ask questions, make suggestions for improvement, and offer best practices.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Initial WINGS Changes Announced
The WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program requires that six (6) separate tasks be completed to a standard proficiency level (using an appropriate FAA Practical Test Standard) to earn a phase of WINGS. These tasks are determined after a review of primary accident causal factors reported in aircraft accident reports. These tasks presently fall into one of the following areas.
Knowledge Tasks
a) Aeronautical Decision Making
b) Performance and Limitations
c) Preflight Planning

Flight Tasks
a) Takeoffs and Landings
b) Aircraft Control
c) Basic Flying Skill

The typical user of the WINGS program fulfils these task requirements by taking online courses, attending seminars and events, and flying with an instructor. Currently there are three phases or levels in the WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program: Basic, Advanced, and Master. For each phase or level of WINGS, the six activities specified by the FAASTeam must be completed within a twelve-month period to earn that phase of WINGS.

The FAASTeam will modify the system to work as follows:

There would still be three levels in the WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program. However, the word “Basic” will no longer be used, as it connotes a meaning not intended by the FAASTeam.

In addition, within each level, pilots will be able to earn phases each time they complete the six tasks required by the FAASTeam. For example, when an airman completes the six tasks specified (three knowledge, three flight), they will have completed the first level and phase of WINGS, or WINGS Phase I. The airman can complete a phase of WINGS, consisting of six activities, as often as they would like. For each additional six specified activities an airmen completes, they will receive another phase of WINGS, for instance, WINGS Phase II. This will continue in like manner each time the airman completes an additional six activities, for instance, WINGS Phase III, WINGS Phase IV, etc.

An airmen who wishes to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency can earn the Advanced level of WINGS. They do this by demonstrating a higher level of proficiency while completing an additional set of six activities. An airmen can complete as many Advanced phases of WINGS as they would like, for instance, Advanced WINGS Phase II, Advanced WINGS Phase III, etc.

In addition, airmen can also complete a Master level of WINGS by completing an additional six tasks by demonstrating even greater proficiency. The Master level can also be completed as many times as possible and the airman earns phases just like they do for the previous levels.

This change will be implemented as part of the WINGS Upgrade planned for launch in December.
Posted by WINGS Webmaster at 10:45 AM 15 comments Links to this post