CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 13 Issue 1 - 7

If you are working with students who are beyond
getting a student pilot certificate, do it when you
verify their citizenship for those training events
that require it, or at least when you fill out their
IACRA application for an upcoming practical
test. Take the time at one of these events to set
them up to receive credit.
GIVE CREDIT AS YOU GIVE TRAINING
Make it a practice to give Wings credit as you
provide training. This can help students become
more comfortable with, and used to, using the
FAASafety.gov system. It can also be a good way
to track activities, send them homework, and
help them complete Wings phases. No matter the
ALL IT TAKES IS AN EXTRA 10 MINUTES AT THE
END OF A LESSON DEBRIEF WITH THE STUDENT
TO SELECT A WINGS ACCREDITED ACTIVITY.
reason, there are any number of activities such
as even just a lesson on takeoffs and landings
that are a part of many training courses that
are eligible for Wings credit for any level of pilot
certification. All it takes is an extra 10 minutes
at the end of a lesson debrief with the student to
select a Wings accredited activity.
HAVE YOUR STUDENTS REQUEST CREDIT
FROM THEIR DPE FOR PRACTICAL TESTS!
Most practical tests are already set up in the
FAASafety.gov activity list; certainly, all initial
certifications and ratings are eligible activities
for credit. In most cases, they not only complete
Wings credit, but count for a " full phase of
Wings credit. " These phases can also be used to
document flight review requirements.
While many DPEs offer credit, some forget or
aren't in the habit of prodding the applicant at the
time of the test. If the DPE hasn't offered credit at
the time of the test, the applicant (your student)
can request credit from the DPE after the event by
finding the activity and then entering the DPE's
email to have a request delivered.
Credit for a phase of Wings from a completed
practical test is kind of a no-brainer, but the DPE
can't give the successful applicant credit if they
aren't signed up.
FLIGHT REVIEWS AND IPCS
Many of the best flight instructors in the
country consider it normal operating procedures
to give Wings credit when they conduct
instrument proficiency checks or flight reviews.
Documenting this activity is not a substitute for
endorsement requirements, but it significantly
supplements the customer service a CFI
provides. It is also a great way to record activities
conducted with a customer during these training
and evaluation events and it's an additional mark
of professionalism.
Finding Wings accredited activities is pretty easy
with a quick activity search on FAASafety.gov
after you have clicked " give immediate credit. "
At first, using the FAASafety.gov and Wings
crediting system may seem like extra work and
for some even a little confusing. But with a little
proficiency and dedication to go the extra step
for those to whom you provide training, it gets
really easy, quickly. It shows you have taken the
extra step as a CFI to provide better service to
your students and it helps your students commit
to continued proficiency development.
Introducing your students to FAASafety.gov early
gets them in a safety habit. That habit can be the
difference that makes them a safer pilot in the
future. I can't imagine a CFI that wouldn't want to
instill that in their students from day one.
So, go to FAASafety.gov and get yourself and
your students signed up to participate in the
Wings program. Do it today and do it with every
student. I challenge you. If I am the DPE giving
http://www.FAASafety.gov http://www.FAASafety.gov http://www.FAASafety.gov http://www.FAASafety.gov http://www.FAASafety.gov http://www.FAASafety.gov
CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 13 Issue 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 13 Issue 1
