The WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program

Presented to: PilotsBy: The FAA Safety TeamDate: FY13

Federal AviationAdministrationThe WINGS

Pilot Proficiency Program

What it Is and

How it Works

5Federal AviationAdministration

The WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program

Is the WINGS Program Easy or Hard?

• It is as easy as 1-2-3; let me show you1. Create an account on FAASafety.gov2. Go to your account on FAASafety.gov3. Click on the Quick WINGS Link



Presentation Outline

• What is the WINGS Program?• Why does the FAA offer the WINGS

Program?• Why should you participate?• Is WINGS Effective?• How does it work for Pilots• How does it work for Instructors• Summary / Conclusion / Q&A



Section 1

• What is the WINGS Program?



What is the WINGS Program?• Pilots who maintain currency and

proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safe and stress-free flying experience

• Requirements for each aircraft category and class include subjects and flight maneuvers specific to that category and class– To ensure pilots receive a well-rounded learning

experience, only certain flight activities fulfill specific flight credit requirements



http://www.americanautogyro.com/Photo%20Gallery/Sunrise-B.JPG



What is the WINGS Program?• The objective is to address primary accident

causal factors – Especially those that continue to plague the general

aviation community year after year• By focusing on this objective, we expect to

reduce the number of accidents we see each year

• It is not a simple “Award” program, but is a true proficiency program– designed to help improve our skills and knowledge

as pilots




Why?

• 30 ft. of airplane is now just 3 ft!

• What would lead a VFR pilot into IMC conditions?



Procedural Errors• Slips, lapses, and

mistakes in the execution of procedures– Skipping items on a

checklist– A distraction that

causes the pilot to fail to extend the landing gear, or not to extend it in this case• Pre-established habits?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pucmWr55cgw





General Aviation Accidents• The reasons pilots have accidents have

remained largely unchanged over the years– Human error remains

the greatest factor in aircraft accidents and incidents

– These mistakes are made by all types and

experience levels of pilots,

• Including Instructors




Why Land Off Airport?



Section 2• Why does the FAA have a WINGS Program?• Does the WINGS Program Really Work?

– Will I be a safer pilot if I participate?



Accident Rates



Fatal Accident Rates



3-Year Accident Data

Accident Type

Part 91Accidents Reported

Part 91 Accidents

used in Analysis

Percent of Part 91

Accidents used in Analysis

Part 103

Part 133

Part 137

Part 141

Fatal 800 712 89.0% 2 6 15 2

Non-Fatal 3,291 2,942 89.4% 4 13 184 38

Total 4,091 3,654 89.3% 6 19 199 40



Pilots who have earned a Basic Phase in the WINGS Program

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 41271 -

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

444

2,881

5,290

8,914

12,599

16,136



Phases of WINGS Earned

Calendar Year

Basic Level Phases Ever

Earned

Phases “Current” at End of Year

Total Phases Ever Earned (Basic,

Advanced, Master)

2008 2,881 2,563 4,811

2009 5,290 3,118 8,884

2010 8,914 5,072 14,235



WINGS Pilots with Accidents

Calendar Year Number of Part 91

Accidents

Number of Pilots who earned a

Phase of WINGS before the accident

Percentage of Pilots who earned a

Phase of WINGS before the accident

2008 1,289 5 0.39%

2009 1,173 7 0.60%

2010 1,192 13 1.09%

Total 3,654 25 0.68%



WINGS Pilots Who Had an AccidentAt the End of the Calendar

Year

Pilots who Earned a

Basic Level Phase Ever

Number of Pilots who earned a

Phase of WINGS and Had an Accident

Percentage of Pilots who earned a

Phase of WINGS and Had an accident

2008 2,881 5 0.17%

2009 5,290 12 0.23%

2010 8,914 25 0.28%



WINGS Pilots with Accidents

Calendar Year

Number of Part 91

Accidents

Number of Pilots who had an

accident who had a “Current” Phase of WINGS before

the accident

Percentage of Pilots who had an accident who had

a “Current” Phase of WINGS

before the accident

Percentage of Pilots who earned

a Phase of WINGS

before the accident

2008 1,289 5 0.39% 0.39%

2009 1,173 4 0.34% 0.60%

2010 1,192 3 0.25% 1.09%

Total 3,654 12 0.33% 0.68%



WINGS Pilots Who Had a Fatal Accident

Calendar Year

Number of Fatal Part

91 Accidents

Number of Pilots who earned a Phase of

WINGS before the accident

Percentage of Pilots who earned a Phase of WINGS

before the accident

Number of Pilots who

had a “Current” Phase of WINGS

before the accident

Percentage of Pilots who

had a “Current” Phase of WINGS

before the accident

2008 239 0 0.00% 0 0.00%

2009 238 2 0.84% 1 0.42%

2010 235 2 0.85% 0 0.00%

Total 712 4 0.56% 1 0.14%



WINGS Accident Summary• Loss of Control – 10

– On Landing – 4• 3 tail wheel

– Water Landing - 3– Takeoff – 2– At night in pattern - 1

• Engine Failure – 5– Fuel Exhaustion – 3– Carb Icing – 1– Water in fuel – 1

• Other– Helicopter Loss of

Control – 2– VFR into IMC – 2– Hit Deer – 1– Landed long at night –

too fast – 1– Pipe Line Patrol – 1– Glider takeoff – 1– Forgot landing gear – 1– Heavy/High density

altitude takeoff - 1



Summary• We encourage flight and ground instructors

to give more attention in two major areas1. Proper preflight planning, with an emphasis on

performance and limitations, and2. Transition training

• In addition, designated pilot examiners should test the 1st area more thoroughly– which will further emphasize that topic’s importance



Summary• Do pilots who participate in the WINGS

Program have better safety records because of the additional training they receive?

• Is their safety record a result of their intrinsic interest in aviation safety?– Their subsequent participation in the WINGS

Program is then a natural result of that interest• Does the WINGS Program help make

already safe pilots safer?



Summary

• Pilots who participate in the WINGS Program are, as a group, involved in substantially fewer accidents than their peers



Section 3

• How is the WINGS Program structured?



Levels and Phases• There are three Levels

– Basic, Advanced, and Master• A Phase within a Level consists of six tasks

or activities– Three Knowledge Activities, and– Three Flight Activities

• A pilot may earn as many phases in each level as he or she desires– Each phase requires the completion of an additional

six tasks or activities



Basic Level• A recurrent training program

– Provides pilots a higher level of proficiency than merely preparing for a typical Flight Review

• Because the Basic Level addresses primary accident causal factors, every pilot is required to complete a phase at the Basic Level at least once every 12 calendar months– This ensures pilots are aware of current accident

causal factors and possible mitigation strategies



Basic Level Standards• The Basic Level requires use of the Private

Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) – or the PTS for the pilot certificate held, whichever is

lower• This includes Sport and Recreational Pilot Certificates

• Pilots in the WINGS Program must demonstrate proficiency to the same standards required at the certification level



Accident Causal Factors• Aeronautical Decision Making

– Including Runway Safety Issues• Performance and Limitations

– Including Loss of Control Issues• Preflight Planning, Risk Management, and

Fuel Management• Takeoffs and Landings• Positive Aircraft Control

– Including Loss of Control Issues• Basic Flying Skills



Seminar Topics• ADM and Risk

Management• Single-Pilot Resource

Management• Human Factors• Basic Flying Skills• Takeoffs, Launches,

Landings, & Go-Arounds

• Weather, including VFR into IMC

• Aerial Application• Aeromedical Factors• Aviation Security• Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)• Checklist Usage• Collision Avoidance• Cross Country Flight Planning, including Pilotage,

Dead Reckoning, Navigation Systems, or Charts• Density Altitude Operations• Emergency Training, including Egress Training and

Land & Water Survival• Exchange of Flight Controls• High Altitude Operations• Land and Hold Short Operations• Maintenance and/or Airworthiness Related Issues• Positive Aircraft Control• Regulations• Runway Incursion Avoidance• Special Use Airspace• Stall/Spin Awareness• Temporary Flight Restrictions• Wake Turbulence Avoidance• Wire Strike Avoidance• Other Aviation Safety-Related Subjects, with

approval



Advanced and Master Levels• For pilots who want a training and

proficiency program that take them a step above the Basic Level– Higher proficiency standards are required

• These Levels afford the pilot an opportunity, in concert with an instructor, to tailor the training to fit more specific needs– To complete a phase of WINGS at the Advanced or

Master levels, a pilot must simultaneously complete or already hold the level just below



Advanced Level Standards

• The Advanced level requires using the Commercial PTS – or the Private PTS when there is not a

Commercial PTS, – or if the pilot completed the Basic level by using

the Sport or Recreational PTS, then the Private PTS is used for this level.



Master Level Standards

• The Master level requires using the Commercial and Instrument Rating PTS or the ATP PTS– if one is available for the category and class of

aircraft used• In addition, some activities refer to tasks

from the Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) PTS

• A Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) cannot be used at this level



How Are WINGS Credits Assigned?• Professional judgment is used in determining

whether an activity meets the requirements for WINGS Credit, and– a few straightforward requirements are indispensable



How Are WINGS Credits Assigned?• The major topic of the activity must

normally fall into one of the topics we discussed above– They cover primary accident causal factors



Accident Causal Factors• Aeronautical Decision Making

– Including Runway Safety Issues• Performance and Limitations

– Including Loss of Control Issues• Preflight Planning, Risk Management, and

Fuel Management• Takeoffs and Landings• Positive Aircraft Control

– Including Loss of Control Issues• Basic Flying Skills



Seminar Topics• ADM and Risk

Management• Single-Pilot Resource

Management• Human Factors• Basic Flying Skills• Takeoffs, Launches,

Landings, & Go-Arounds

• Weather, including VFR into IMC

• Aerial Application• Aeromedical Factors• Aviation Security• Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT)• Checklist Usage• Collision Avoidance• Cross Country Flight Planning, including Pilotage,

Dead Reckoning, Navigation Systems, or Charts• Density Altitude Operations• Emergency Training, including Egress Training and

Land & Water Survival• Exchange of Flight Controls• High Altitude Operations• Land and Hold Short Operations• Maintenance and/or Airworthiness Related Issues• Positive Aircraft Control• Regulations• Runway Incursion Avoidance• Special Use Airspace• Stall/Spin Awareness• Temporary Flight Restrictions• Wake Turbulence Avoidance• Wire Strike Avoidance• Other Aviation Safety-Related Subjects, with

approval



How Are WINGS Credits Assigned?• The major topic of the activity must normally fall into one of

the topics discussed above– inasmuch as they cover primary accident causal factors

• The length of the presentation or activity will be considered– generally, an activity consisting of at least 60 minutes of instruction earns one

credit• Educational value, such as accuracy and the depth of

discussion or demonstration, will be reviewed– Generally, material must be presented to a level of understanding consistent

with that of at least a Private Pilot (or Recreational or Sport Pilot, as appropriate for the intended audience), and

• The activity or presentation must cover the material in sufficient detail – so that by incorporating a renewed understanding of the subject matter into

their flying habits, or using a reacquired aeronautical skill, pilots can be assumed to have lessened the possibility of a potential accident



How Are WINGS Credits Assigned?

• Pilots who demonstrate a specified level of knowledge and/or proficiency

• Incorporate such skills and knowledge into their flying habits

• Will mitigate these topics as accident causal factors



Section 4

• What are the benefits of participation?



Benefits of Participation• Completion of any Phase of WINGS

satisfies the requirement for a flight review– 14 CFR 61.56(e)

• Some insurance companies offer a premium discount for participation– As much as a 10% discount

• Participating pilots really are safer pilots– As demonstrated by a study comparing

accidents by WINGS pilots vs. non-WINGS pilots





Certificates and Transcript





Flight Review Expiration Date



WINGS Pins



Why do pilots participate?• Safety oriented

– Because you want to be a safe as possible• New

– To maintain your skills• Experienced

– To refresh your skills• You want to join the ranks of the

knowledgeable and proficient pilots!– How many pilots participate?



Why Should You Participate?• Every pilot must participate in some kind of

recurrent training program– Especially General Aviation Pilots!

• Feel more confident• Increase your safety margins• Develop an ongoing relationship with a CFI

or training facility• Increase safety margins

– Prevent the cost of aircraft repairs, medical costs, increased insurance premiums, and personal embarrassment following an aircraft accident



Can All Pilots Participate?

• All pilots with a US-issued certificate• Student Pilots• Pilots with US certificates based on Foreign

certificates– They have to fly with a US-certificated CFI



Take a Break!

• Be back in 15 minutes• We will be demonstrating how the program

works after the break



Section 5

• How Does the WINGS Program Work– For Pilots– For Instructors



The Role of the CFI in the WINGS Program?

• Instructors play a vital role– Teaching– Confirming correct knowledge– Demonstrating flight maneuvers– Validating WINGS credits

• Benefits for Instructors– Renewing your CFI certificate based on WINGS

Federal AviationAdministration



The Log In and Preferences Portal• Not Logged In

– Email Changed– Forgot Password– Create an Account– About the FAASTeam

• Logged In– My Preferences and

Profile– Change Email

Address or Password– FAQs



How Does the WINGS Program Work for Pilots?

• Introduction to www.FAASafety.gov– Account Creation– Account Management

• Email Address• Password• Security Questions• WINGS Profile

– Home Page

http://www.faasafety.gov/



Create an Account

• Go to www.FAASafety.gov

• In the log in Portal, click on the link, Create an Account




Create an Account

• Enter the email address you will use for the WINGS Program

• Enter it Again!• Click on the

“Yes” button• If you hold a

pilot certificate• Click “Continue”



Create an Account


Create an Account



Registration SummaryGo to

www.FAASafety.govClick on the Create

an Account linkEnter you email address: twice!

Select “Yes” if you have an airman

certificate

Enter your Last Name &

Certificate Number

Select and Answer your

Security Questions

Go to your email box and retrieve your

temporary password

Go back to www.FAASafety.gov

Log in and Change your password

Go to your Home Page

Click on Quick WINGS



User Account Status

Name



Account Status Update

• On your My Preferences page, click on the Airman Registry tab to change your account status from “User” to “Airman”



WINGS Made Easy!

• Click on the link that says, “Click here to return to Preferences” if you want to make other changes, or

• At the top of the page, click on the link to the Home page



Quick WINGS

• WINGS Portal with the Quick WINGS link



Quick WINGSUser Not Logged In User Logged In





WINGS Made Easy!

• Print the checklist and discuss the WINGS requirements with your instructor










Activity Selection

• Activities are pre-selected for you• Sometimes, the system makes a wrong

choice• You can use the Search feature to make a

different choice of activity.







Some “Rules” of the WINGS Program

• Three Knowledge credits– Online Courses –

• Review any time, but only once every 90 days for credit– Seminars– 3rd Party Activities , Seminars, and Webinars

• Three Flight credits– Not necessarily three flights– Not necessarily three hours

• All credits must be earned within a 12 calendar month period



Some “Rules” of the WINGS Program

• What does Current mean?– A phase earned within the previous 12 calendar

months• Credits only fill certain slots

– For example, a Knowledge Topic 1 credit cannot fill a Knowledge Topic 2 credit requirement

• Plan to get your WINGS and keep them for your entire pilot career– This is ongoing - not just a one time event like a

certificate or rating



WINGS Profile



Is a Medical Certificate Required?

• No medical certificate is required– Unless the instructor with whom you are flying

cannot act as PIC



How to Get WINGS Credits• Online Courses give automatic credit• Seminars give credit when the presenter

“Closes” the event• 3rd Party activities are also automated• Flight Activities get credit in one of several

ways– Immediate credit by CFI– Credit validated by another Instructor– The pilot requests credit and a “Validator” validates

that credit request



How to Get WINGS Credits• Flight Activities get

credit in one of several ways– Immediate credit by

CFI– Credit validated by

another Instructor– The pilot requests

credit and a “Validator” validates that credit request



How to Get WINGS Credits

• Flight Activities get credit in one of several ways– Immediate credit by CFI– Credit validated by another Instructor– The pilot requests credit and a “Validator” validates

that credit request



How to Get WINGS Credits• Flight Activities get credit in one of several

ways– Immediate credit by CFI– Credit validated by another Instructor– The pilot requests credit and a “Validator” validates

that credit request









Summary• Quick WINGS is the key for pilots who want

the simplest solution to WINGS participation.– Meets the needs of over 95% of WINGS users

• User suggestions for improvement are welcome!– Email suggestions to [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Section 6• How does the WINGS Program work for

CFIs?• Instructors play a vital role

– Teaching– Confirming correct knowledge– Demonstrating flight maneuvers– Validating WINGS credits

• Benefits for Instructors– Renewing your CFI certificate based on WINGS– Limiting your liability by using the FAA Practical Test

Standards to accomplish the Flight Review requirement!



How Does the WINGS Program Work for CFIs?

• Several levels of CFI participation– Don’t Give credit– Give Immediate Credit

• Logged In or Not logged in to your account– Validate a Credit Request from a pilot

• You can print a pilot’s Checklist– All you need is their WINGS email address

• Renew your CFI Certificate– by participating in the WINGS Program

• both as a pilot and as an instructor



The WINGS Checklist



Give Immediate Credit




















WINGS Checklist for Instructors











123456789



Checkpoint

• Any questions?



CFI Renewal Based on WINGS1. Hold a flight instructor certificate that has not expired, 2. Hold a current phase of WINGS (at any level) at the time of

application, 3. Have evaluated at least 15 WINGS-accredited flight activities (any

level) during which the CFI evaluates at least five different pilots, and make appropriate endorsements in the logbook of each pilot for each activity,

4. Present a record to an aviation safety inspector (ASI) showing that the CFI has met the requirements of subparagraph 6e(3) above within the preceding 24 calendar-months before the month of application for renewal of his or her flight instructor certificate, and

5. Present a completed FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application Supplemental Information and Instructions, to an authorized person for renewal of his or her flight instructor certificate



CFI Renewal Based on WINGS• Go to your account on FAASafety.gov• In the Instructor Portal

– Click on Enter Instructor Portal• On the Instructor Tools tab

– Click on List of Credits Validated• The default report shows your activity as a

flight instructor in the WINGS program– Just export that to PDF using the icon provided and

print the report• Note that if there are “Yes/No” boxes shown for an entry,

you have to check the appropriate choice before presenting the report to the FSDO



CFI Renewal Based on WINGS












Summary• What is WINGS?• Why does the FAA offer WINGS?• Is WINGS Effective?• How a pilot uses WINGS on FAASafety.gov• How a CFI uses WINGS on FAASafety.gov• You are cordially invited to participate in the

WINGS – Pilot Proficiency Program!



WINGS Made Easy!

• If you do not already have an account at www.FAASafety.gov, create one now!




Q&A

• What questions do you have?

• If you have a question later, send an email to [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

The WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program

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