Definition
An FAA-sponsored voluntary program that encourages pilots to maintain and improve their flying skills through ongoing recurrent training. Pilots earn Wings credit by completing approved flight training activities and online learning courses. Earning a phase of Wings within the previous 12 months satisfies the flight review requirement of 14 CFR 61.56.
Plain English
A free FAA program that rewards pilots for keeping their skills sharp. You take some online courses and do some flight training with an instructor, and when you complete a phase you earn a set of Wings. Doing this also counts as your flight review, so you don't have to do a separate one.
Context Anchor
You may see this program discussed by flight instructors, FAA safety teams, or online in the FAA WINGS training system when planning recurrent training or documenting pilot proficiency.
Derivation
The name reflects the long-standing aviation tradition of awarding 'wings' as a symbol of earned flying skill, going back to military pilot badges. The program rewards pilots who keep proving their proficiency, not just their original certification.
Why Pilots Care
Participation helps pilots reduce accident risk through structured refreshers and often qualifies them for insurance discounts.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Awards” as meaning this is mainly about trophies or recognition. In this FAA use, the award marks completed training activity that supports real pilot proficiency.
Example Sentence 1
Her instructor suggested enrolling in the Pilot Proficiency Awards Wings Program so her recurrent training would also count as a flight review.
Example Sentence 2
By finishing the required lessons, the pilot earned the next level in the Pilot Proficiency Awards Wings Program and received a certificate from the FAA.