As a student pilot, you can already get started on completing Wings phases. Make sure you read the Wings Program overview first before getting started here.
1. Create a Wings login on faasafety.gov. For “Do you hold a current airman certificate?” select no, even if you have a student pilot certificate.
2. Sign up for an AOPA membership. You can either sign up for a free six month membership which includes six issues of Flight Training magazine, or create a free account with just the Air Safety Foundation. I would recommend the free six months to anyone who can join.
3.* During your cross country training, complete the free online course: Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots. It will fulfill the Knowledge Credit 1, the only credit you don’t get from your private license.
4. After getting your license, ask your instructor to validate your Wings credit.
5. You now have completed the Basic Phase of the Wings Program.
6. To keep current, keep completing the phases. You can add credit by getting your tailwheel endorsement, an additional rating, training from a CFI, online courses or a safety seminar. Check out the Renter page for more info.
*Bonus step 2 1/2: At any time, you can complete any of the free interactive online courses on the AOPA website. Many of them also count for Wings credit. Look for *This course qualifies for AOPA Accident Forgiveness and the FAA Wings program. under the program description.
Essential Aerodynamics: Stalls, Spins and Safety is good for anyone. Know Before You Go: Navigating Today’s Airspace should be done before cross country flying. Runway Safety is great for students who want to improve their towered airport operations.