Subject: PILOT PROFICIENCY AWARD PROGRAM

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) describes the

Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Pilot Proficiency

Award Program and outlines the eligibility requirements for

pilots to qualify for Phase I through Phase XX Pilot

Proficiency Awards.

2. OBJECTIVE. Regular proficiency training is essential to

the safety of all pilots and their passengers. The objective

of the Pilot Proficiency Award Program is to provide pilots

with the opportunity to establish and participate in a

personal recurrent training program. Aviation safety is a

cooperative effort of all members of the aviation

community. The FAA encourages each pilot to establish a

regular recurrent training program and invites pilots to

participate in the Pilot Proficiency Award Program.

3. CANCELLATION. AC 61-91G, Pilot Proficiency Award

Program, dated 8/4/94, is canceled.

4. WHO MAY PARTICIPATE. All pilots holding a

recreational pilot certificate or higher and a current

medical certificate, when required, may participate. In

addition, uncertificated pilots of qualified ultralight vehicles

under Title 14 of the Federal Code of Regulations (14

CFR) part 103 may participate. Requests to participate in

the program should be made to a certificated flight

instructor, an appointed Aviation Safety Counselor (ASC),

or the Safety Program Manager (SPM) in the local FAA

Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

5. INCENTIVE AWARDS - PILOT WINGS AND

CERTIFICATE. The Pilot Proficiency Award Program is

now a 20-phase program. Upon completion of each of the

first 10 phases, pilots become eligible to wear and are

presented with a distinctive lapel or tie pin (wings) and a

certificate of completion.

 Advisory

 Circular

Date : 4/26/96 AC No: 61-91H

Initiated by AFS-810 Change:

Phase I wings are plain bronze tone. Phase II wings are

silver tone with a star added. Phase III wings are gold tone

with a star and wreath. Phase IV wings are gold tone and

have a simulated ruby mounted in the shield. Phase V

wings are gold tone with a rhinestone mounted in the

shield. Phase VI wings are gold tone with a simulated

sapphire mounted in the shield. Phases VII, VIII, and IX

wings are gold tone with the appropriate Roman numeral

displayed within the wreath. Phase X wings are bright gold

tone with the Roman numeral X and shield located within

a ring of 10 stars. No complimentary wings will be issued.

Pilots, regardless of certificate type, ratings, or position,

must earn the privilege of wearing the pilot proficiency

wings. A pin and certificate will be awarded for Phases I

through X. A certificate only will be awarded for Phases XI

through XX.

NOTE: Seaplane-rated pilots who specify

"seawings" on their proficiency record/ wings

application form and complete the

requirements listed below for seaplanes and

amphibians will receive a distinctive

seawings pin.

6. PARTICIPATION IN THE PILOT PROFICIENCY

AWARD PROGRAM IN LIEU OF A FLIGHT REVIEW. A

pilot need not accomplish the flight review requirements of

14 CFR part 61, ~ 61.56 if, since the beginning of the 24th

calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts

as pilot in command, he or she has satisfactorily

completed one or more phases of an FAA-sponsored Pilot

Proficiency Award Program in an aircraft (reference

61.56(1)).

U.S. Department of Transport at ion

Federal Aviation Administration
AC 61-91H

7. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS PHASES I THROUGH

XX. Minimum requirements, which Include specific

subjects and flight maneuvers, have been established for

airplanes, seaplanes and amphibians, rotorcraft, gliders,

lighter-than-air aircraft and uftralight. The required training

profiles represent those phases of operation that have

been identified by accident reports, as phases most likely

to produce accidents. These training profiles are

established for each category of aircraft. Pilots may select

the category and class of aircraft or ultralight in which

they wish to receive their flight training. All training must

place special emphasis on safety of flight operations. All

training requirements for each phase of the program must

be completed within 12 months. After completing a phase

of the program, pilots may begin working on the

requirements of the succeeding phase at any time;

however, 12 months must pass between the date of

completion of it phase and application for tile award for the

next phase.

a. Airplanes.

 (1) One hour of flight training to include basic airplane

control stalls, turns, and other maneuvers directed toward

mastery of the airplane.

 (2) One hour of flight training to include approaches,

takeoffs, and landings, including crosswind. soft field, and

short field techniques.

 (3) One hour of instrument training in an airplane, FAAapproved aircraft simulator or training device.

b. Seaplanes and Amphibians.

 (1) One hour of flight training in a seaplane or amphibian

to include a demonstration by the applicant of a complete

seaplane or amphibian passenger safety briefing, a weight

and balance computation and interpretation for the actual

flight, a review and evaluation of current and forecast

weather, and on-the-water training in docking, beaching

and anchoring, and maneuvering in confined areas.

 (2) One hour of flight training in a seaplane or amphibian

to include landing area assessment, safe approaches and

departures, takeoffs, and landings, including crosswind,

rough water, and glassy water techniques. (Conditions

may be simulated.)

 (3) One hour of flight training in a seaplane or amphibian

to include power-on and power-off

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stalls in various configurations with minimum altitude loss,

power-off emergency landings, step taxi, step turns, rapid

decelerations from the step, and emergency procedures.

In addition to the 1 hour of flight time (not included in the 1

hour), there must be a discussion of stall avoidance and

prevention techniques,

NOTE: If the applicant is not qualified and

current in accordance with 61.57 for

instrument flight, 1 additional hour of basic

instrument training with emphasis on partial

panel approaches, inadvertent penetration

into instrument meteorological conditions

(180 turn), descent into visual meteorological

conditions, and safe operations shall he

accomplished in an airplane, seaplane, FAAapproved aircraft simulator, or training

device for each odd-numbered award phase

(Phase 1, III, V, etc.).

c. Rotorcraft.

 (1) One hour of ground training to include use of the

rotorcraft flight manual to, determine operating limitations,

weight rind balance computations, performance data,

aircraft servicing, use of optional equipment, and standard

emergency procedures.

 (2) One hour of flight training to include airport and traffic

pattern operations, including departures from a hover

(helicopter only), normal and crosswind approaches and

landings, maximum performance takeoffs, and steep

approaches.

 (3) One hour of flight training to include systems

orientation, autorotative descents, power failure at a hover,

settling-with-power, pinnacle/rooftop takeoffs and landings,

and navigation procedures.

d. Gliders.

 (1) One hour of ground training to include preflight

operations. including installation of wings and tail

surfaces, on-line inspection, use of glider operating

limitations, weight and balance computations,

performance data, and standard emergency procedures.

 (2) One hour or three flights to include launch

procedures, proper position during tow, emergency

procedures such as a slack line or tow rope failure, and

tow release procedures.

 (3) One hour or three flights to include thermalling

procedures, flight in close proximity to other aircraft,

maneuvers at various performance
AC 61-91H

speeds, demonstration of best lift over drag (L/D) and

minimum sink, and precision approaches and landings.

e. Lighter-Than-Air.

 (1) One hour of ground training to include fuel

management, refueling, proper inflation procedures, review

of the flight manual, and proper weather check.

 (2) One hour of flight training to include approaches,

touch-and-go, level flight, rapid descent and level out, and

simulated landing in a congested area.

 (3) One hour of flight training to include relighting the

pilot light, simulated high wind/short field landings, and

other simulated emergency situations.

f. Ultralights. Pilot Proficiency Award Program training

given in powered ultralight vehicles by United States

Ultralight Association, Inc. (USUA)-approved flight

instructors or other approved powered ultralight flight

instructors will be accepted.

 (1) One hour of ground training on preflight operations to

include operating limitations, weight and balance

computations, performance data, vehicle servicing, use of

optional equipment, and standard emergency equipment.

 (2) One hour of basic vehicle control, turns and other

maneuvers directed towards mastery of the vehicle.

 (3) One hour of flight training to include airport and traffic

pattern operations, including departures, normal and

crosswind approaches and landings, maximum

performance takeoffs, and steep approaches.

g. Mountain Flying Course. Applicants who

successfully complete an FAA-sponsored or FAA

sanctioned mountain flying course, including ground and

flight training, may substitute this course for the safety

meeting required by subparagraph h when completing all

other mountain flying requirements.

 (1) One hour of flight training to include basic airplane

control, stalls, and other maneuvers with emphasis on the

use and difference of performing these maneuvers in

mountainous terrain and under high density altitude

conditions. AC 61-91H

(2) One hour of flight training to include approaches,

takeoffs, and landings at or simulating mountain airports

with high density altitudes.

 (3) One hour of ground training to include effects of high

density altitude, mountain terrain, and mountain weather

conditions.

h. Safety Meetings.

 (1) All applicants must attend at least one

FAA-sponsored or FAA-sanctioned aviation safety

seminar or industry-conducted recurrent training program.

 (2) Attendance at an Aviation Safety Program aviation

safety seminar must be verified in the pilot's logbook or

other proficiency record. This verification must be signed

by an FAA SPM, other FAA inspector, or an ASC involved

in conducting the seminar.

 (3) Attendance at a physiological training course

conducted under the FAA/U.S. Air Force or U.S. Navy

training agreements at various military installations in the

United States is also acceptable as a safety meeting. It is

necessary to complete AC Form 3150-7, Physiological

Training Application/ Agreement, to participate in

physiological training. The form may be obtained from the

SPM in the local FSDO or by a letter of request to:

Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

Airman Education Programs, AAM-400

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Pilots who do not wish to participate in physiological

training need not complete the form. Pilots completing a

physiological training course will receive FAA Form 3150-

1, Physiological Training. A completed FAA Form 3150-1

must be submitted to the SPM for verification of course

completion.

i. Training Substitution. Completion of training program

or a flight instructor refresher clinic conducted by various

organizations such as flight schools, air carriers, or other

training facilities may be substituted for the requirements

of the Pilot Proficiency Award Program, if the minimums

outlined in paragraphs 7a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are met.

 j. Aircraft Accidents and Enforcement Actions.

Involvement in an aircraft or ultralight vehicle accident

and/or a pending or completed enforcement action will not

preclude participation in the Pilot
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AC 61-91H

Proficiency Award Program. However, a pilot who has

been involved in an accident or enforcement action should

request that the flight instructor place special emphasis

on the causal factors of the accident or enforcement

action during pilot proficiency training. The instructor

should focus the training on educating the pilot in ways to

preclude future accidents or enforcement actions.

8. PILOT PROFICIENCY AWARDS EARNED BY FLIGHT

INSTRUCTORS.

 a. Phase I Through III Requirements. A certificated

flight instructor, USUA-approved flight instructor, or other

approved powered ultralight flight instructor may earn

Phases I through III wings by providing the required

instruction for completion of a phase of the Pilot

Proficiency Award Program to three pilots (a minimum of

9 hours of instruction). To qualify for a Phase I wings

award, an instructor must document the completion of the

training he or she has given to at least three pilots and

attend or participate in an aviation safety seminar or clinic.

The instruction given must be in accordance with

paragraphs 7a, b, c, or d, e, f, or g, as appropriate. The

completion of the required instruction for three additional

pilots and attendance or participation in an additional

safety seminar or clinic is required to earn a Phase II

award. An instructor may repeat the requirements

stipulated for a Phase II award to earn a Phase III award.

b. Phase IV Through XX Requirements. Twelve

months after the date of meeting the requirements for the

Phase III award, a certificated flight instructor, USUAapproved flight instructor, or other approved powered

ultralight flight instructor may apply for the Phase IV

award. Phases IV through XX award wings and/or

certificate may be earned by the successful completion of

an evaluation or proficiency flight with a designated flight

instructor examiner or an FAA operations inspector and

by attending or participating in an aviation safety seminar

or clinic. USUA-approved or other approved powered

ultralight vehicle flight instructors may receive their

evaluations or proficiency flights with a USUA-approved

advanced flight instructor. Twelve months must pass

between the date of completion of each phase and

application for the award for the next phase.

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c. Safety Meetings. Flight instructors and powered

ultralight vehicle flight instructors must also attend or

participate in at least one FAA-sponsored or FAAsanctioned aviation safety seminar, attend an FAAapproved Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic, or complete a

physiological training course as specified in paragraph

7h(3) to meet the requirements for each phase of the

awards. Attendance must also be verified in the flight

instructor's logbook or other proficiency record. This

verification must be signed by an SPM, other FAA

inspector, or any ASC involved in conducting the above

programs.

9. AWARDING OF THE PILOT PROFICIENCY WINGS

AND CERTIFICATE.

a. Endorsement Verification. As pilots complete each

step of training outlined in paragraphs 7 or 8, whichever is

appropriate, their logbooks or other proficiency records

must be endorsed by the persons who gave the

instruction. That endorsement should read substantively

as follows:

Mr./Ms._________________, holder of pilot

certificate no.___________, has satisfactorily

completed the training requirements outlined in

Advisory Circular 61-9111, paragraphs 7a, b, c, d,

e, f, or g (state which)

/s/ (date) M. Smith, 385652472CFI or

/s/ (date) M. Smith, USUA Ultralight Instructor (or

other approved instructor)123454

Note: In the case of ultralights, no certificate number

is required.

b. Award of Pilot Proficiency Wings and Certificate.

The Pilot Proficiency Award certificate and the appropriate

wings will be awarded after the pilot's logbook or other

proficiency record (such as a properly documented "wings

card") is presented to the SPM for verification of

completion of training as stipulated in this AC.

William J. White

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service