Aerospace Wings
The intent behind the Aerospace Wings awards program is to foster and encourage interest in flight among the members of TRMN. The primary aim is to develop an interest in real-world flight and piloting, but for those who have the interest but otherwise lack the ability, there are grades for simulation and courses. It is CRUCIAL to understand that award of these wings do NOT in any way imply real-world qualifications under FAA or other national flight regulatory bodies.
With one exception, each grade and class of Aerospace wings is available in gold for officers and silver for enlisted. The designs of each grade are otherwise identical.
To be awarded the appropriate wings all requirements as listed below must be verified by the BuTrain Awards Office.
The program is governed by PD-SC-1010 Aerospace Wings Qualification Policy.
Historical
When manned flight first became militarily significant (c. WWI), the first aerial units were typically derived from Army formations, for example, the Flying Corps, or the United States Army Air Service. In order to distinguish flying officers from others, insignia in the form of wings were created. From that time, aviation insignia have come to symbolize the arduous training pilots and aircrew undergo Pilot's wings.
Four-Part Video Series on the TRMN Aerospace Wings Program
An excellent four-part video series that gives a solid overview of the TRMN Aerospace Wings program was developed in 2025 and was posted on the Bureau of Personnel YouTube channel, found at the links below:
Coursework
All coursework will be completed directly through or in conjunction with BuTrain. Upon completion of external courses from AOPA, a BuTrain instructor will verify completion and will record the completion in Medusa. You may contact the BuTrain instructor about TRMN and AOPA coursework at: acs-submission@trmn.org.
PD-SC-1010 is the most up-to-date list of BuTrain coursework for the Aerospace Wings program.
How to Apply & Other External Requirements
Earning any of the below Wings Awards is not automatic. You must apply for each award once you meet the eligibility requirements. To apply, you must complete the application found HERE. The BuTrain Award's Office will review all applications monthly and an announcement will be made on the Forum for all inductees. Be sure to fill out the online application completely and submit any of the additional required information so that you can be contacted if there are any questions or concerns.
SOLO AEROSPACE WINGS
These are awarded to officers and enlisted alike. They are awarded for completion and sign-off of solo flight during flight training; you must supply a copy of your log book entry to the BuTrain Awards Office using the application noted above. This applies to all solo - private, sport or recreational pilot, glider, or balloonist.
AEROSPACE WINGS
These are awarded for completion of actual RL pilot qualification as follows:
| Officer | Enlisted | Qualification requirements |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
Master Aerospace Wings Completion of Instrument Rating + 150 hours total flight time, or 300 hours total flight time as a Private Pilot. |
 |
 |
Senior Aerospace Wings Completion of 75 hours total flight time as a Private Pilot |
 |
 |
Aerospace Wings Completion of Private Pilot Certificate. These wings will also be awarded for the completion of a Sport and Recreational Pilot Certification, Glider Certification, or Ballooning Certification, however, to advance to the next level, you must have a full Private Pilot Certificate. |
NAVIGATOR WINGS
The requirements for these are as follows:
| Officer | Enlisted | Qualification requirements |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
Master Navigator Wings
180 minutes of total flight time as a passenger of a Private Pilot, or 90 minutes of total solo flight time as a Student Pilot. Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-AOPA-R05 ● RMACA-AOPA-R06 ● RMACA-AOPA-R10 ● RMACA-AOPA-R11 ● RMACA-AOPA-R12 ● RMACA-AOPA-R13 ● RMACA-AOPA-R16 ● RMACA-AOPA-R19 ● RMACA-AOPA-R20 |
 |
 |
Senior Navigator Wings
120 minutes of total flight time as a passenger of a Private Pilot, or 60 minutes of total solo flight time as a Student Pilot. Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-AOPA-R02 ● RMACA-AOPA-R04 ● RMACA-AOPA-R07 ● RMACA-AOPA-R14 ● RMACA-AOPA-R18 ● RMACA-AOPA-R21 ● RMACA-AOPA-R22 ● RMACA-AOPA-R23 |
 |
 |
Navigator Wings
60 minutes of total flight time as a passenger of a Private Pilot, or a Discovery Flight where you control the plane for at least 15 minutes, or 30 minutes of total solo flight time as a Student Pilot. Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-AOPA-R01 ● RMACA-AOPA-R03 ● RMACA-AOPA-R08 ● RMACA-AOPA-R09 ● RMACA-AOPA-R15 ● RMACA-AOPA-R17 |
OBSERVER WINGS
The requirements for these are as follows:
| Officer | Enlisted | Qualification requirements |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
Master Observer Wings
120 minutes of total flight time as a passenger of a Private Pilot, or 60 minutes of total solo flight time as a Student Pilot. Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-AOPA-R06 ● RMACA-AOPA-R11 ● RMACA-AOPA-R17 ● RMACA-AOPA-R18 |
 |
 |
Senior Observer Wings
60 minutes of total flight time as a passenger of a Private Pilot, or 30 minutes of total solo flight time as a Student Pilot. Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-AOPA-R07 ● RMACA-AOPA-R12 ● RMACA-AOPA-R14 ● RMACA-AOPA-R22 |
 |
 |
Observer Wings
Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-AOPA-R01 ● RMACA-AOPA-R04 ● RMACA-AOPA-R09 ● RMACA-AOPA-R15 |
SIMULATOR WINGS
The requirements for these are as follows:
| Officer | Enlisted | Qualification requirements |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
Master Simulator Wings
240 hours of simulated flight and a Discovery Flight where you control the plane for at least 15 minutes. Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-RMACS-02D ● SIA-SRN-05D |
 |
 |
Senior Simulator Wings
120 hours of simulated flight Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-RMACS-02C ● SIA-SRN-05C |
 |
 |
Simulator Wings
60 hours of simulated flight Completion of the following courses under the auspices of BuTrain: ● RMACA-RMACS-02A ● SIA-SRN-05A |
Awarding of these wings do NOT in any way imply real-world qualifications under FAA or other national flight regulatory bodies.
See Also
- Admiralty Order 1511-01: "RMN Aerospace Wings - Updated"
- PD-SC-1010_Aerospace_Wings_Qualification_Policy