With minor supervision, Silver Wings works jointly with the Arnold Air Society (AAS) nationwide to promote leadership skills, military awareness, and professional development.

In the 1980s, local Angel Flight chapters were allowed to use the name "Silver Wings" as recognition for their growing diversity in membership.

In 1995, the General Assembly of the yearly national conclave (NATCON) changed the organization's name to "Angel Flight-Silver Wings."

Silver Wings members must be an undergraduate or graduate student within the local chapter, and complete various workshops and projects.

The National Headquarters is chosen each year by the General Assembly at NATCON, which takes place annually in spring, typically on Easter weekend.