SouthWings Volunteer Pilot Program FAQ

What is SouthWings?

SouthWings is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing skilled pilots and aerial education to enhance conservation efforts across the southeastern United States. Using the services of volunteer pilots, we take interested parties aloft to:

Since our inception in 1996, we have provided an aerial perspective to more than 500 organizations, from small community-based groups to large national organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Our activity has resulted in favorable coverage by many local news media as well as such national publications as the New York Times, the Washington Post, Audubon magazine, E Magazine and National Geographic.

How is SouthWings funded?

The operating expenses of SouthWings, including salaries of support staff, office space rental, utilities, etc., are paid for by grants from charitable organizations and donations from individuals.

What experience and insurance coverage requirements does SouthWings have for its volunteer pilots?

SouthWings requires pilots to have a minimum of 750 hours Pilot-In-Command time.  Volunteer pilots are asked to add SouthWings as an “additionally insured” party to their normal “1Mil/Sub $100K” ($1,000,000 per accident/$100,000 per passenger) liability coverage.  Usually, there is no added insurance premium for the “additionally insured” feature.

All passengers flown under SouthWings auspices must sign a liability waiver holding harmless the volunteer pilot and SouthWings in the event of accidental death or injury.

Can I be paid for flight time as a pilot on a SouthWings mission?

As a Part 91 (FAA Regulations) public benefit operator, SouthWings may not compensate volunteer pilots for services.  Therefore, the volunteer pilot is responsible for all mission costs, yet may be able to deduct aircraft operating costs as charitable contributions for income tax itemization.

How does SouthWings enlist its volunteer pilots?

After an initial telephone, email, or in-person contact, we ask a pilot interested in volunteering to complete an information form and submit it with a photocopy of her/his current airman’s certificate, medical certificate, and liability insurance coverage listing SouthWings as “additionally insured.” Arrangements are then made for an orientation meeting between the prospective pilot and the SouthWings staff pilot, or other staff, for the purpose of explaining how SouthWings missions are conducted. A flight in the prospective pilot’s aircraft is always welcomed as part of the orientation, but is the option of the prospective pilot.  Upon completion of the orientation meeting, the volunteer pilot’s name is added to our roster of active pilots.

Who schedules flights with interested parties (flight partners)?

All flights are coordinated through the SouthWings office in Asheville, NC.  Ultimate go/no-go decisions and all other matters relating to flight safety are made exclusively by the Pilot-In-Command.

What are the benefits of flying with SouthWings?

Typically, who are some of these flight partners?

What time commitment may be expected of a volunteer pilot?

In most of the southern states, our requests for flights currently exceeds our supply of volunteer pilots.  We schedule flights according to volunteer pilot availability.  In past years, one of our pilots flew in excess of 150 hours of SouthWings missions. So a pilot may fly as often as his/her interest and schedule permits. Depending upon activity in your area, we would anticipate an average of one or two missions per month, typically of one to two hours in duration. Most flights are to destinations within 100 miles of the volunteer pilot’s home airport.

What action do I take if I no longer want to be a volunteer pilot?

Simply call our office or send us an email and we will remove you from the roster of active volunteer pilots.  There is no financial liability in your doing so. We would also ask that you remove SouthWings from your “additionally insured” parties on your aviation liability insurance policy.

How do I set the process in motion to volunteer my services as a volunteer pilot?