The ports of Southern California are a nexus for international shipping on the West Coast of the United States. Idling shipps and cargo transport vehicles are a source of emissions driving climate change. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
Along the coast of Southern California lie the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Key pieces of infrastructure in the global supply chain, they’re also the source of emissions that contribute to global warming.
Oil tankers and cargo ships transport billions of dollars in commodities across oceans for import into the U.S. To do so, they burn diesel gasoline to power massive underwater propellors. Sitting in port, those same diesel engines provide power to the ships while they sit along the dock unloading.
Media partner Capital and Main reached out to LightHawk to provide a unique perspective on a story they are working on about methane and organic compound emissions in the ports.
Volunteer pilot James Haney took journalists aloft to capture imagery above these nexuses of international cargo. James has completed several flights with LightHawk including white abalone transports and cross-border flights into Mexico. James shared that this flight appealed to him, “because of what they were trying to establish, looking at the emissions in the ports in terms of idling ships and also wanting to see some of the oil industry that’s also embedded in that particular area.”
Ships unload thousands of cargo containers at the ports – a process that can take up to a week to complete. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
The oil and gas industry also has a substantial presence in and around the Southern California ports. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
The original plan included an optical gas imaging camera but due to scheduling conflicts, the camera operator was unable to join the flight. Instead the team from Capital and Main brought along their photographer to capture aerial imagery of the ports.
Before the flight, James’ planning covered several potential challenges. The first was weather. He shared that, “Long Beach can be overcast and the visibility can be low.” That would impact their ability to observe the ports and capture photographs.
The second challenge was the airspace. According to James, “both Long Beach and Torrance (airports) that abut right next to the space they wanted to visualize.” He added, “I wanted to stay on with ATC but didn’t want to go in and out of Long Beach and Torrance’s airspace. Otherwise I’d be switching radios and holding up the traffic.”
He chose a path to accomplish that goal while still providing great visual opportunities for the Capital and Main team.
Before the flight, volunteer pilot James Haney reviewed the route to ensure points of interest were covered. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
During the flight, pilot Haney was able to fly at or below 1,000 feet above the ground, providing an excellent view for the journalists. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
Fortunately, they ended up having a successful flight despite the challenges! James said, “a Santa Ana wind event blew out the marine overcast so it gave them great options for still photography.”
Flying at altitudes of 500 to 1,000 feet above the ground, the photographer was able to capture stunning imagery. Over the water and away from conflicts on the surface, James was able to drop as low as 200 feet which the photographers really appreciated.
He commented, “As we were going through the process, we were able to make the adjustments to fit their needs and they were a good group to work with.”
Despite expectations of more traffic due to nearby flight schools, there were no real surprises for James during the flight and the Capital and Main team felt positive about the flight. It was a smooth day while they completed circuits over the ports and only experienced light turbulence on the way back to the airport.
Ships sit idle in the port while they are loaded and unloaded. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
The ports handle multiple container ships at a time. The idling ships contribute to harmful emissions while sitting in port.. Photo: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney
James also expected to have to deal with bird life at the altitudes they were flying but was surprised to not have any issues. He said, “They must be dissuaded by all the activity that takes place in the port.”
Even with the success of the flight, James offered the team to fly again if they could get the operator with the optical gas imaging camera scheduled, showing the dedication of a LightHawk pilot to make a difference in conservation projects!
Outside of LightHawk, James uses his plane and his dental skills (he’s a dentist!) with the group Mission Flight – a faith-based nonprofit that, “compassionately connects people in need with hope, help, and healing both internationally and locally.”
Flights like this one provide a unique perspective on threats to climate resilience – a perspective that can only be gained from above. Bringing attention to port emissions will guide policy decisions aimed at building climate resilience and improving air quality. That’s why we fly.
Photos: Jeremy Lindenfeld, Capital and Main | Pilot: James Haney