Wings Program
 

I was invited to attend an FAA Wings seminar tomorrow night and was wondering if anybody has attended any of these. I have several questions...

1. Are there actual insurance breaks given at renewel because of this?

2. If the above answer is yes, how much?

3. Have any of you used this program instead of getting bi-annual flight reviews?

4. If you had to drive to one of these meetings would you still go?

5. Do you think you are learning anything at these?

Thanks,

http://www.faasafety.gov/about/wings.aspx

I think the big motivation for some folks is that completion of a Wings Phase is considered a substitute for a BFR. Thing is, you still have to log something like 3 hours of instruction anyway.

My 2 cents would be -- attend if you are interested in the subject matter, rather than trying to "get out of" your BFR or something of that nature.

True, but at least in my case it was 3 free hours of instruction.

NEVER turn down free flight instruction. Are you sure this is the case? Usually the seminar is ground instruction and the flight instruction is on you.

1. Are there actual insurance breaks given at renewel because of this?
Yes depends on the broker/underwriter

2. If the above answer is yes, how much?
Best I ever did was $200


3. Have any of you used this program instead of getting bi-annual flight reviews?

Yes

4. If you had to drive to one of these meetings would you still go?

Depends on how far

5. Do you think you are learning anything at these?

Usually. Not only from the program but from other attendees.

It also helps you get to know your local FSDO guys which ain't a bad thing.

It's like a flyin. Informative, fun, meet new people.

Time well spent
 

I've attended a number of Wings Seminars and I have always learned something of value. I have not used the Wings program in lieu of a BFR, but I still think attending is worth the time and effort.

I was invited to attend an FAA Wings seminar tomorrow night and was wondering if anybody has attended any of these. I have several questions...

1. Are there actual insurance breaks given at renewel because of this?
NO

2. If the above answer is yes, how much?

3. Have any of you used this program instead of getting bi-annual flight reviews?
YES

4. If you had to drive to one of these meetings would you still go?
NO

5. Do you think you are learning anything at these?
YES YES and YES ... I was learn something when flying with another pilot!

I'm sure it was the case for the Wings event I went to in Butler Co, OH, but I doubt if it's universal. YMMV, and all that.

OT, your panel blank is ready for delivery. Remind your buddy to give me a call sometime Tues - Thurs.

FAA Pilot Proficiency Program (wings)
 

I feel that this program is one of the best that the FAA has ever developed. The biannual flight review does not require the level of pilot involvement the Wings program does.

Military pilots and airline pilots are required to participate in periodic training and evaluation. We who fly under part 91 rules are only required to take the BFR. Since, when I am flying, it is my rear end that is on the line if I mess up, I want to get some of the same training that the professional pilots get. The voluntary Wings program provides a structure that enables me to do that. The requirements are general, a safety seminar, one hour of air work, one hour of instrument work and one hour of pattern work. Within those requirements, you and your flight instructor can develop a program that fits you needs.

I like it, it is voluntary and fits my needs.

Curiously, the Wings program substitutes only for the "FLIGHT" portion of the BFR, not the ground portion. You will still need 1 hour on Part 91, but you could do it with ground instructor!