SouthWings recognized outstanding conservation aviators during its 30th Anniversary Volunteer Pilot Appreciation Fly-In at Lookout Mountain, Georgia, honoring pilots who provide aerial perspectives for environmental initiatives across the Gulf and Southeastern United States.
The organization was founded in 1996 to expose clearcutting on the Cumberland Plateau and has since expanded to a network of 84 volunteer pilots, according to SouthWings officials.
To mark the milestone, SouthWings introduced the Legacy Award to honor members who have supported the mission for more than 20 years. Co-founders Hume Davenport of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Jay Mills of Chattanooga, Tennessee, were named the inaugural recipients.
Additional 2026 SouthWings Volunteer Pilot Award recipients include:
- Dynamic Duo: Christopher and Justine Noth of Tampa, Florida, for providing aerial piloting and photography to assist advocacy partners across the Gulf.
- Rookie of the Year: Gabriel Rincon of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who completed eight flights supporting community organizations and media outlets after joining in 2025.
- Rookie of the Year: Clinton Jones of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, for completing multiple survey flights, including aerial documentation of an oil spill in the Gulf.
- Pelican Award: Eric Jakimier of Dallas, Texas, for flying from Texas to complete 13 volunteer missions across Louisiana since 2023.
- Above and Beyond: David Warner of Carbondale, Illinois, for flying missions to document unpermitted activities at regional data centers.
For more information: SouthWings.org
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