WINGS program...

Tom L. wrote:

I don't think we should start panicking just yet.

I am not panicking, just calling a lawyer and getting myself a BFR (that's
called a** covering, panic comes later :-)

61.56(e) talks about "FAA sponsored pilot proficiency award program".
Both old and new WINGS were/are exactly that, so either one qualifies.
Whether the AC is updated or not does not matter.

Well, my local FSDO (and AOPA) disagree, and both told me that the old
WINGS phases no longer qualify. And since that all I have to show today,
I am worrying. They might very well be both wrong though, this wouldn't be
the first time, but I don't want to be the guy having to argue that in a
court of law, or with my insurance company, or with the FAA after a ramp
check...

As for the faasafety web site, it says:
"Pilots participating in the WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program to at
least the Basic Phase need not accomplish the flight review
requirements of 14 CFR part 61, 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 or currently holds the
Basic or higher WINGS - Pilot Proficiency Program phase in an aircraft
(reference 61.56(e))."

Here is the thing: on the one hand, something that I can read on the
interwebs, on the other hand an advisory circular still in effect that
says otherwise. I know that I am splitting hair here, but hair splitting,
longitudinally and diagonally, is precisely what lawyers and civil
servants and insurance assessors do. If your new Wing phase does not
include three phases of training, of one hour each, as described in AC
61-91H paragraph 7.a (if you are an airplane pilot) and a safety meeting or
equivalent as described in paragraph 7.h of the same document, with the
required signatures and logbook endorsement, etc. that go with it, then you
have not met the requirements of 61.56(e).

....and call me a wimp, but I have a problem with that.

--Sylvain