FAA Offers WINGS Training Program to Reduce Private Aviation Errors

With a distinguished career in special operations with the United States Department of Defense, Leroy Stotelmyer also is a philanthropist who recently gave $25,000 to a racial equality and social justice organization. Frequently called on to provide expert advice, Leroy Stotelmyer served as a safety consultant and advisor to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The government body that regulates all civil aviation, the FAA operates a pilot proficiency program called WINGS. The purpose of WINGS is to address and correct the main factors that lead to accidents in the general aviation community. After selecting your category and class of aircraft in your online “Airman Profile,” pilots indicate the areas in which they want to increase their flight proficiency. Each skill is connected to certain learning activities and flight maneuvers, which are typically done under the guidance of a certified flight instructor.

Designed as an on-going, multi-level training program, WINGS encompasses more than hands-on flight instruction. The online training component features online courses, seminars, and other events. In addition, many third party aviation training activities, such as those offered by the Aircraft Owners Pilots Association and others, are eligible for WINGS credit. Email questions about the WINGS Program to faasafety@faa.gov.