trying to understand Wings program

OK, I have to jump in here; The wings program is a continuing education program for pilots. It's not intended to be a one-day process, unlike the Flight Review.

From the website:

"Note that completion of any Phase of WINGS satisfies the requirement for a flight review. So not only will you complete a review of the most common weak areas that have led others to the accident site, but you end up with a flight review, as well! "

If you take an opportunity to fly with an instructor several times a year, and cover the various flight topic, you can extend your pilot privileges indefinitely, without a flight review.

The credit are good for two years and should be credited by the instructor(s) as the various know or flight items are completed.

The instructor need to be signed up with the FAAST system, no other training or FAA involvement is required by the CFI.

https://www.faasafety.gov/WINGS/pub/learn_more.aspx

Mike