Our First Mission
Sponsored by National Geographic and in partnership with Kew Gardens, our first mission took place in Peru in November 2022. It was not only an extraordinary experience but also a groundbreaking step in revolutionizing plant data collection techniques.
After two years of delays due to COVID restrictions, we finally had the opportunity to prove our concept.
It took considerable effort to prepare and analyze the data comparing paramotors with other methods of plant data collection. The findings were meticulously reviewed and, in November 2024, published in Plants, People, and Planet magazine. To clarify, a scientific publication is not just a typical article that fades into obscurity. It is a rigorously verified document that serves as a long-term reference for the scientific community, guiding future expeditions where paramotors could play a critical role.
Today, it is widely acknowledged that skilled paramotor pilots are the most efficient solution for collecting plant data. Consequently, we are working closely with scientists to design future missions that incorporate a range of Forest Air pilot skill levels. Additionally, we are in discussions with insurance providers to establish coverage for this emerging activity.
Opportunities for Pilots
For pilots, this presents exciting new opportunities: from receiving specialized training from botanical scientists to the potential of being paid to fly on vital scientific expeditions worldwide.
Our missions vary widely, including tasks such as:
- Capturing aerial photographs with GPS coordinates,
- Collecting soil and water samples for DNA testing, and
- Identifying trees for seed collection.
To date, we have registered 23 distinct mission types. A comprehensive document detailing the training requirements for ForestAir pilot members will be published in mid-2025.
Thank You
Join us now and become part of this meaningful journey. We will keep you regularly updated as we continue to grow.
