LightHawk Volunteer Pilots
To become a member of LightHawk's volunteer pilot corps, licensed pilots are required to have a minimum of 1000 hours of pilot-in-command time.
Our volunteer pilots range from retired professionals to avid private pilots
to commercial and ex-military pilots. A spirit of volunteerism, professionalism,
and a commitment to improving environmental conditions characterizes all.
Questions? Download LightHawk's
VP FAQs (pdf).
In addition to these experience requirements, all pilots flying for LightHawk must maintain currency with all Federal Aviation requirements and regulations; hold and maintain a current medical certificate; and possess adequate insurance coverage for their aircraft and passengers. Additionally, it is recommended that volunteers live within a geographic region in which we currently operate a program. pilots in regions without program managers will be asked to donate flights far less often. We currently seek additional volunteers in all of our operating regions and we welcome your inquiries.
Safety is serious business. We urge you to check out the FAA Safety Briefings as well as the AOPA Air Safety Institute and Callback, a monthly safety bulletin from NASA.
Aviation support: Find out who provides extra lift for our volunteer flying.
Pilot Stories from Conservation's Front Lines
Read what made "Conservation Flyer" Chris Boyer sign up as a LightHawk pilot the minute he reached the required 1,000 hour of PIC time.
Acclaimed photographer and conservationist Dave Showalter profiles Montana's Chris Boyer in his Western Wild online journal.
Volunteer pilot Jane Nicolai had her breath taken away on a recent flight.
Crew Chief for LightHawk's Cessna 206, Will Worthington talks about his flying.
VP Jo Duffy talks about flying for California Marine Protected Areas on the radio.