Scientists working to track and protect many animal species are hard-pressed to keep up. From whales and sharks to migrating bird populations, a willing pilot can make a huge difference. Changes in landscape are also of concern to conservationists, and viewing rivers and mountains from the air is another way pilots can help protect the Earth.
If you have 1,000 hours already logged, you may want to check out LightHawk, a nonprofit organization that matches volunteer pilots and their airplanes with scientists, photographers, videographers, and others involved in conservation. SouthWings uses volunteer pilots and small aircraft to protect the natural resources and ecosystems of the Southeastern United States. CAVU is an organization that uses video to tell stories about communities impacted by environmental degradation and climate change.
An organization’s requirements and missions may not be a match for every pilot; the tracking of wild (tagged) bird populations uses specialized equipment and is generally a mission for early risers.
Know going in that nearly all missions are flown as low and slow as safely possible, and that the pilot will need to divide attention and maneuver to suit the needs of onboard observers. Practicing ground reference maneuvers will help sharpen those skills.
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