The preflight checklist

LightHawk flights are generally scenic in nature: lower altitudes (still around 1,000’ AGL minimum), maneuvering for views of specific points on the ground, and flight profiles that are more challenging and less common than straight-line transport. The 1,000-hour requirement is based on respected statistical analyses of General Aviation safety and has been consistently upheld by our board. A majority of our volunteers substantially exceed this minimum.

• $1 million in liability coverage per occurrence, with a minimum of $100,000 per person.
• LightHawk listed as an “additional insured” on your policy.
• A 10-day notice of cancellation clause, so your underwriter notifies LightHawk if the policy lapses.

The additional-insured listing primarily ensures our legal defense costs are covered; there is usually no premium increase. You remain the PIC and sole operating authority on every flight — LightHawk never acts as operator, which preserves the integrity of your insurance.

Yes, with documented permission of the listed owner. You must show proof of insurance covering you and your passengers to the same limits required of owners ($1 million per incident, $100,000 minimum per person), with LightHawk as an additional insured — usually via a renter’s/non-owned aircraft liability policy. These steps take lead time, so start early. LightHawk does not own or operate any aircraft.

1,000 hours airplane PIC, of which 500 are jet PIC; 200 hours PIC in the make and model to be flown; 25 hours PIC in make and model within the previous 90 days; instrument rating and currency. Additional insurance requirements may apply. Compliance with these recency requirements before each flight is the volunteer pilot’s responsibility.

Water operations: 1,000 hours PIC, a seaplane rating, and at least 100 water landings. Ski operations: 1,000 hours PIC and at least 100 ski landings. Aircraft must carry FAA-approved float or ski installations, and the decision to land on water, snow, or ice always rests with the pilot in command based on current conditions.

1,000 hours total PIC (fixed-wing and rotorcraft may be mixed), including at least 500 hours PIC in rotorcraft; at least 100 hours in the helicopter make and model proposed, with 10 of those hours in the past 90 days. Certificated helicopter models only, with all legally required inspections and Airworthiness Directives complied with.

Factory-built S-LSA light sport aircraft are welcome (1,000 hours PIC, private or higher certificate, current third class or higher medical). Balloons and gliders are excluded from our operations. Experimental aircraft are not allowed on flights carrying passengers — and passenger-free flights make up less than 1% of our missions.

LightHawk staff — ideally joined by an experienced volunteer pilot — walk you through the organization, our flight planning process, expectations, paperwork, and reporting. We emphasize your role as PIC and sole operating authority, cover common flight profiles, and discuss working with photographers and reporters. We want to see that you are passenger-oriented and that you and your aircraft can represent LightHawk safely and professionally.

Expenses of flying a mission in your own aircraft are normally borne by the pilot as part of the volunteer donation. Reimbursement of fuel or other aircraft operating costs is illegal under Part 91 — if a partner insists on paying, a donation to LightHawk is the right answer. Rarely, pre-approved per-diem support is available for multi-day tours. Each February you receive a letter documenting your mission hours for the prior year; direct expenses such as fuel and landing fees can often be claimed as an in-kind charitable deduction — check with your tax advisor.

Four regions: Southern US & Mexico (border areas, Baja California, Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona); Rocky Mountain (CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY, plus limited Alberta and Great Plains operations); Pacific (CA, WA, OR, limited Alaska and British Columbia); and Atlantic (Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states south through Florida, Louisiana and Texas, with limited Midwest, Ontario and Quebec operations). Mountain missions call for real experience with density altitude, mountain wave and turbulence, and higher-performance aircraft (235+ hp or turbocharged). Mexico/Baja missions additionally look for substantial Mexico and ADIZ experience, Spanish, deep time in type, schedule flexibility, and insurance valid in Mexico.

All passengers sign a liability release before flying — usually arranged by your program manager. Minors under 18 fly only with a parent aboard, and the pilot always has the final say. LightHawk does not usually conduct point-to-point transportation flights. Camera or tracking mounts are possible, but FAA approval and insurance acceptance are the pilot’s responsibility. Charity-event flights under Part 91.146 are not part of our operations.