Jonathan Milne submitted this photo and note: “This photo was taken during the LightHawk May 29, 2025, video/photography flight highlighting the 78,000-acre project area that includes Parmachenee Lake on the Megalloway River in Maine. This was one of the 50 Flights in 50 Days challenge.”
LightHawk
LightHawk’s 50 in 50 Challenge returns
Every mission is made possible by LightHawk’s experienced volunteer pilots, each with over 1,000 hours of pilot in command time. These pilots donate their time, skills, and aircraft to fly missions that accelerate environmental progress.
Volunteer GA pilots fly endangered gray wolves to Colorado for release
The mission, completed over three flights by volunteer pilots in a Pilatus PC-12, ensured the safe transport of the wolves and their handlers, according to Lighthawk officials. Upon arriving in Colorado, the wolves were transferred by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff for their reintroduction into the wild.
New video features volunteer general aviation pilot dedicated to conservation
Now online is “Romeo November: A LightHawk Story,” which shares the story of one volunteer pilot, Chuck Schroll, and his dedication to the cause of conservation as he takes to the skies to tour three conservation projects with LightHawk partners.
Volunteer pilot helps survey impact of Hurricane Ian in the Everglades
The Everglades Foundation reached out to Lighthawk, which uses volunteer general aviation pilots towards conservation efforts, to plan a reconnaissance flight over the coastal Everglades, Florida Bay, and the southwest coastline to assess water quality and document the impacts from Ian.
Saving a California condor
When California condor 171, “Traveler,” needed emergency transportation to life-saving surgery, a general aviation pilot flew in to save the day.
LightHawk names new director of conservation
Lighthawk is a non-profit organization that has a network of 300 volunteer general aviation pilots who donate their time and airplanes to fly researchers, policy makers, elected officials, and others on conservation and environmental missions.
General aviation pilot helps track an endangered species
For Lighthawk volunteer pilot Dan Silvers, a recent mission gave him the chance to fly low and slow, while at the same time helping ensure the survival of the golden-winged warbler.
Volunteer pilots fly nearly 1,000 endangered birds to new home
Volunteer pilots transported captive-bred masked bobwhite quail chicks to a wildlife refuge in Arizona in hopes that the endangered species can thrive once again.