BECOME A LIGHTHAWK PILOT
VOLUNTEER PILOTS NEEDED, JOIN US!
Experience Adventurous Flying While Making a Difference
LightHawk offers a unique opportunity for 1000 hour-PIC qualified pilots to volunteer their time and aircraft for conservation missions across North America. Join us in flying for a cause and experience a different kind of adventurous flying.
Our Mission: Conservation from the Skies
LightHawk’s flights are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of lands, oceans, coastlines, river systems, and wildlife. Explore our Flight Map to see the impact of our work in your area. We are always looking for pilots with access to aircraft in all our project regions.
Your missions may include collecting data or imagery, informing journalists, educating decision makers, or transporting endangered animals. Your gift of flight will help scientists, decision-makers and other changer makers, community leaders, journalists, and photographers.
Versatile Missions and Aircraft
LightHawk’s diverse missions require various types of aircraft:
- Single-Engine 1-to-4 Seaters: Ideal for photography and aerial tours.
- Turboprops and Jets: Perfect for wildlife transport and longer-distance missions.
Join Our Community
By volunteering with LightHawk, you become part of a vibrant community of over 300 pilots. Engage with fellow pilots at regional meet-ups and our annual Fly-In celebration. Build lasting relationships with our conservation partners and get involved in projects beyond the flight.
Volunteer Spotlight: Dave Riffle
Dave Riffle, a dedicated LightHawk Volunteer Pilot, flew lynx tracking missions in the Pacific Northwest with our partner, Southern Interior Land Trust. His commitment led to on-the-ground fieldwork, including collaring new lynx, showcasing the depth of engagement our pilots enjoy.
Working with LightHawk and their partners has enriched my flying experience ten fold and is very addictive. The more I fly, the more I want to fly for causes and issues in which I believe strongly.
Ready to Take Off?
Interested in being part of the largest conservation flying organization in the U.S.? Become a LightHawk volunteer pilot today and help us protect and preserve our natural world! Fill out the form below and a member of the LightHawk staff will be in contact about next steps.
In the meantime, visit our FAQ page to learn more about being a LightHawk Volunteer Pilot.
Become A LightHawk Volunteer Pilot