FAA WINGS Program: Earn Safety Credits Through Simulator Training

What Is the FAA WINGS Program?

WINGS is the FAA's voluntary Pilot Proficiency Program, open to every U.S. pilot certificate holder at no cost. The program encourages continuous learning by combining ground knowledge with flight activities across three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level builds on the last, and completing any phase within a 12-month period satisfies the flight review requirement under 14 CFR 61.56 — meaning you never need a separate biennial flight review if you stay active in WINGS.

The program is managed through FAASafety.gov, where you track your credits, browse available courses, and claim your rewards. There is no fee to participate, no deadline pressure beyond the 12-month completion window, and no obligation to continue once you start. You can participate at your own pace.

For instrument-rated pilots, WINGS is particularly valuable because the flight activities align directly with the skills you need to stay current and proficient: approaches, holds, tracking, and scan discipline. Learn more about how instrument currency works in our IFR currency training guide.

How Do You Earn WINGS Credits?

Earning a WINGS phase requires two types of credits: three Knowledge activities and three Flight activities, all completed within a rolling 12-month window. The process is straightforward, and the FAA has made it easy to track everything online. Here is the step-by-step process for the Basic level.

Can You Earn WINGS Credits in a Flight Simulator?

Yes. Aviator.NYC's LOFT (Line Oriented Flight Training) scenarios are registered FAA Safety WINGS activities, which means every qualifying simulator session earns Flight activity credits toward your WINGS phase. You do not need to fly an actual aircraft to earn WINGS flight credits — the FAA recognizes approved simulator-based training as equivalent.

Specifically, our Instrument Currency Mastery Program (ICMP) scenarios are designed to meet WINGS requirements. Each scenario includes three instrument approaches flown to Instrument-Airplane ACS (Airman Certification Standards) standards, plus holds, procedure turns, and missed approach procedures. When you meet those standards, your instructor logs the session as a WINGS flight activity.

The simulator environment is ideal for WINGS training because you can practice approaches at airports you would not normally visit, fly in weather conditions that would ground you in an aircraft, and repeat procedures until they are solid — all in a controlled, risk-free setting. See our instrument training optimization guide for strategies that help you get the most from each session.

What Happens If You Don't Meet ACS Standards?

If you fly a LOFT scenario but do not meet Instrument-Airplane ACS standards on your approaches, you do not earn WINGS flight activity credit for that session. However, the approaches still count toward your instrument currency requirements under 14 CFR 61.57. You still logged approaches, holds, and tracking — the training value is real, and your currency clock keeps ticking.

Think of it this way: WINGS credit requires a higher standard than basic currency. Currency means you flew the approaches. WINGS means you flew them to checkride-level precision. If you fall short on WINGS standards, your instructor will debrief what to work on and you can try again at your next session.

For a detailed walkthrough of what ACS-standard approaches look like, see our guide on how to brief an instrument approach — proper briefing technique is often the difference between meeting and missing ACS standards.

Does WINGS Replace the Flight Review?

Yes. Completing any phase of WINGS (Basic, Advanced, or Master) within a 12-month period satisfies the flight review requirement under 14 CFR 61.56. This is not a workaround or a loophole — the FAA specifically designed WINGS as an alternative to the traditional biennial flight review because continuous training is more effective than a single review flight every two years.

For active instrument pilots who train regularly, this is a significant benefit. If you fly three ICMP scenarios and complete three online knowledge courses within 12 months, you have satisfied your flight review and maintained your instrument currency simultaneously. That is two regulatory requirements handled through training you were already doing.

Can WINGS Save You Money on Insurance?

Yes. Several aviation insurance companies — most notably Avemco — offer approximately 5% discounts on annual premiums for pilots who actively participate in the WINGS program. The exact discount varies by insurer and policy type, but for aircraft owners or renters carrying their own insurance, the savings are real and recurring.

A 5% discount on an annual premium of $2,000-$5,000 translates to $100-$250 per year. Over a decade of flying, that adds up to $1,000-$2,500 in savings — more than enough to cover several simulator sessions. The insurance company benefits because WINGS participants are statistically safer pilots, and you benefit from lower premiums while maintaining sharper skills.

Contact your insurance provider or broker to ask whether they offer WINGS participation discounts. Even if your current insurer does not, it is worth mentioning WINGS activity when shopping for coverage — underwriters view ongoing proficiency training favorably.

What Knowledge Activities Count for WINGS?

The FAA offers hundreds of approved Knowledge activities through FAASafety.gov, and new ones are added regularly. These are the three main formats, all of which count toward your three required Knowledge credits per WINGS phase.

• Online courses: Self-paced courses on FAASafety.gov covering topics like weather decision-making, airspace regulations, aeronautical decision-making, and human factors. Most take 30-60 minutes to complete, and many are free.
• In-person seminars: FAA Safety Team (FAAST) seminars held at local airports, flight schools, and aviation events. These are typically 1-2 hours and often feature presentations from local DPEs, FSDO inspectors, or experienced pilots.
• Webinars: Live online presentations hosted through FAASafety.gov. These cover the same topics as in-person seminars but can be attended from anywhere. Recordings are sometimes available for credit afterward.

The easiest approach is to complete all three Knowledge activities online between your flight sessions. Browse the course catalog on FAASafety.gov filtered by your certificate level and ratings. Choose topics that complement your flight training — if you are working on approaches, take courses on weather minimums or approach plate interpretation.

What WINGS Activities Does Aviator.NYC Offer?

Aviator.NYC offers three types of approved FAA Safety WINGS activities, covering both IFR and VFR proficiency. Each is designed to earn WINGS flight activity credits while providing real training value.

• Instrument Currency Mastery Program (ICMP) scenarios: Our core WINGS offering. Each LOFT scenario includes three instrument approaches at real-world airports, plus holds, procedure turns, and missed approach procedures. Must meet Instrument-Airplane ACS standards for WINGS credit. Flown in our FAA-certified AATD simulator in Lower Manhattan.
• Hudson Corridor simulator training: A VFR WINGS activity focused on the Hudson River Exclusion and East River Special Flight Rules Area. Practice the corridor procedures, radio calls, and navigation in the simulator before flying the real thing. Available to all rated pilots.
• VFR and IFR flight plan review: Conducted via Zoom using your own Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Review real-world flight planning, weather analysis, NOTAMs, and route selection with a CFII. Counts as a Knowledge or Flight activity depending on the content covered.

Most instrument-rated pilots start with the ICMP scenarios because they simultaneously address currency, proficiency, and WINGS credits in a single session. If you are looking for a structured way to stay current, book an IFR currency session and tell your instructor you want to work toward WINGS credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FAA WINGS program free?

Yes. There is no fee to create a FAASafety.gov account, no enrollment charge, and no cost for online Knowledge courses. The only expense is the flight training itself, which you would be doing anyway for currency and proficiency. WINGS adds structure and recognition to training you are already investing in.

How long do WINGS credits last?

Individual credits do not expire, but all six credits (3 Knowledge + 3 Flight) must be completed within a rolling 12-month window to earn a phase completion. If you earn two flight credits but do not finish the third within 12 months of the first, you need to start over. The easiest way to stay on track is to combine WINGS with your regular currency training schedule.

Can I earn WINGS credits in a flight simulator?

Yes, if the simulator session is a registered FAA Safety WINGS activity. At Aviator.NYC, our ICMP scenarios are approved WINGS flight activities. You must meet Instrument-Airplane ACS standards with three approaches per scenario to earn the credit. The simulator must be an FAA-certified training device (our G1000 AATD qualifies).

Do I need an instrument rating to participate in WINGS?

No. WINGS is open to all U.S. pilot certificate holders, including VFR-only pilots. The program offers activities for every certificate level. However, many of the flight activities — especially at the Basic level — focus on instrument proficiency because the FAA considers IFR skills critical to safety even for VFR pilots.

Do insurance companies give discounts for WINGS?

Some do. Avemco is the most well-known insurer offering approximately 5% off annual premiums for active WINGS participants. Other insurers may offer similar discounts or view WINGS participation favorably during underwriting. Ask your broker or insurer directly — the savings compound over years of flying.