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 The WINGS ProgramIt's well known that the airlines have an outstanding safety record, as do Part 135 charter operators. But, what surprises most people is that both the
safest segment of aviation and the most hazardous operate under Part 91 - the exact same set of rules as us. The question is "Why"? While corporate flight departments and
fractional operations have, arguably, the best safety record, they do it under the same regulations as those of us flying ourselves. And yet, we have the worst. You can argue that the difference is equipment (multi-engine jets vs.
single-engine pistons) or crew size (two pilots vs. one). But, you can't ignore the value of recurrant training. The purpose of the WINGS program is to bring recurrant training into the lives of all pilots.... not just the pros.
How does it work? For us "wheeled airplane drivers", the process is very simple. You need to do the ground portion. You need to do the flight portion. Lastly, you need to do the paperwork.
The ground portion consists of an aviation safety seminar put on by the FAA in cooperation with aviation safety
counsellors, and local businesses. (You used to get the yellow circular in the mail, but you can also go to their website at " http://www.faa.gov/region/ane/flightstandards/safecal/safecal.cfm ". These seminars are on a variety of subjects,
and attendance is generally free, so you can attend all you want (but you have to attend at least one to be eligible for the WINGS program).
At the seminar, you'll get a form that shows that you've attended the seminar. Next, bring that form to your favorite flight instructor, and you're ready to go flying.
The flight portion of the WINGS program will take about three hours. One hour will be dedicated to airwork, one hour to pattern work and one hour to instrument work. (No, you don't need to do them all at the same time). Once you've
completed the flight program, and your instructor has endorsed your form three times, your ready for the paperwork.
Simply follow the directions on the form, and send it to the FAA. In a little while, you'll get a Completion Certificate and a neat lapel pin showing that you've completed a stage in the wings program.
The great thing is that you can do a WINGS stage every year. What's in it for me? There are many advantages. Some are obvious, and some not. Some are tangeble, and some are not. Here's a few of them:
- Free refreshments. (Hey, you're a pilot. We know where your priorities lie :-) ).
- Increased Safety
- A WINGS stage takes the place of a BFR.
- An opportunity to meet other pilots.
- A nice certificate.
- A free pair of wings.... collect all 20!
Frequently Asked Questions.
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