EVENTS
FLY-INS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
LightHawk hosts events that bring together volunteer pilots, conservation partners, and supporters to build community, foster collaboration, and highlight the unique value each contributes to advancing conservation efforts.
FLY-INS
LightHawk is hosting a series of regional fly-ins for our volunteer pilots! These will take place in different regions and will feature guest speakers discussing aviation and conservation topics. Lunches are provided for all volunteer pilots who attend.
May 8-9, 2026
San Diego, California Regional Fly-In
Join us in Sunny Southern California for camaraderie and a behind-the-scenes tour of SoCal Approach! Friday night after you arrive we’ll host Happy Hour and Dinner. Saturday you’ll get the chance to hear from speakers from the aviation and conservation communities before heading to Southern California TRACON for a private tour. Register today! Don’t miss this opportunity to hang out with fellow LightHawk pilots and speak with LightHawk staff!
SPEAKERS
Rhon Williams
Longtime volunteer pilot and FAAST Representative Rhon Williams will be discussing issues for aging pilots. Rhon has been a LightHawk Volunteer Pilot for 12 years and has flown more than 25 LightHawk missions. He has been a presenter at previous LightHawk Fly-Ins and is sure to present valuable information for pilots in attendance.
Barry Knuttila
Barry Knuttila is CEO and part-owner of the King Schools, Inc, the well-known provider of aviation education for pilots. Barry holds an ATP rating as well as Commercial and Flight Instructor ratings. He has logged time in more than 45 different aircraft types and flies his Great Lakes biplane and Beechcraft Debonair when he isn’t flying the King Schools Falcon 10.
Anne Middleton
Anne Middleton is the Associate Director of WILDCOAST COSTASALVAJE, a nonprofit organization working to conserve coastal and marine ecosystems and address climate change through natural solutions. Anne has worked with and for conservation organizations in Africa and the U.S. When she is not helping preserve and restore major parts of our ecosystem, she enjoys making cakes, taking her dog to the beach, and singing and playing guitar in her bands
Airport:
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (KMYF)
3750 John J Montgomery Dr, San Diego, CA 92123 | AirNav – KMYF
HOTEL
The coastline in San Diego, California. Photo by Alex Ferron.
Southern California TRACON will be hosting 20 attendees from the San Diego Regional Fly-In. Photo by SoCal Approach.
Southern California coastline and the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve. Photo by Phillip Colla
UPCOMING FLY-INS
Seattle, WA
Sept. 25-26
Hartford, CT
Oct. 9-10
Titusville, FL
Jan. 15-16
2027
May 4 – June 22, 2026
50-IN-50 CHALLENGE
We’re excited to announce the return of LightHawk’s 50-in-50 Challenge, taking flight from May 4 to June 22, 2026!
Our goal is to conduct 50 conservation flights in 50 days, tackling urgent environmental challenges while highlighting the amazing work of conservation partners and vital projects across the country.
Ready to be part of the action? Click below to learn how you can join us in protecting lands, waters, and wildlife from above.