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The FAA's Pilot Proficiency Award Program (Wings) promotes air safety and encourages general aviation pilots to continue training and provides an opportunity to practice selected maneuvers in a minimum of instruction time. After you've logged three hours of dual instruction under the program and attended at least one FAA-sanctioned safety seminar, you’ll be eligible to receive a distinctive set of wings . You’ll also earn a certificate of completion. If you successfully complete a phase of the Wings Program within the period specified by Section 61.56(e) of the Federal Aviation Regulations, you don’t need to accomplish the flight review for that time period.

As laid out in Advisory Circular 61-91H, the program has twenty phases and offers you a twenty-year recurrent training opportunity. You’ll be eligible for more wings every year after earning your first set, each added set marking your progress.

Phase 1 pin

Phase I wings are plain bronze tone. Phase II wings are silver tone with a star added. Phase III wings are gold tone with a star and wreath. Phase IV wings are gold tone and have a simulated ruby mounted in the shield. Phase V wings are gold tone with a rhinestone mounted in the shield. Phase VI wings are gold tone with a simulated sapphire mounted in the shield. Phases VII, VIII, and IX wings are gold tone with the appropriate Roman numeral displayed within the wreath. Phase X wings are bright gold tone with the Roman numeral X and shield located within a ring of 10 stars.

No complimentary wings will be issued. Pilots, regardless of certificate type, ratings, or position, must earn the privilege of wearing the pilot proficiency wings. A pin and certificate will be awarded for Phases I through X. A certificate only will be awarded for Phases XI through XX.

Seaplane pilots who specify “seawings” on the proficiency award application get a distinctive set of seawings.

To be eligible for the program, you must:

• Hold an ultralight / recreational pilot certificate or higher
• Hold a current medical certificate if required.
• Log dual flight instruction in specified maneuvers. The time required varies by category: 3 for airplane, 2 for rotorcraft (helicopter or gyrocopter), ultralight, or lighter-than-air, and 3 (or 6 flights) for gliders; one hour of ground training is also usually required.
• Attend at least one FAA-sanctioned safety seminar, or other approved course. This can be done by going to a designated safety meeting or completing one of several approved courses online, such as those offered by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

To apply for the Pilot Proficiency Award Program, send your application to your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

• FAA Advisory Circular 61-91H: Pilot Proficiency Award Program (PDF)