You’re an active pilot, right? You even get some training now and then beyond what you’re required to get. But, if you spent a little energy— and usually no more money you might be able to take most or even all of what you’re already doing and let it, for example, count as the flight review you’re required to get every two years. If you’re not doing that, perhaps you should. And, if you did, your insurance company might even offer you a discount. (Some do; some don’t.)
What’s WINGS?
Simply put, WINGS is an FAA recurrent training program, a continuing education program, that isn’t mandatory, but does have some benefits. Here’s how the FAA introduces us to WINGS: “The objective of the WINGS Program is to address the primary accident causal factors that continue to plague the general aviation community. By focusing on this objective, we hope to reduce the number of accidents we see each year for the same causes. As you will see, it is not a simple ‘Award’ program but is instead a true proficiency program, designed to help improve our skills and knowledge as pilots. 
“The WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program is based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience.” You tailor your WINGS participation according to your preferences or certifications. For example, a fixed-wing the pilot might not have any need for rotary wing training, so you set up your profile accordingly. You start by setting up that profile and creating an on-line account on FAAsafety.gov.
