Textron Aviation and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) have marked the delivery of four Cessna Skyhawk, one Cessna Skylane and one Cessna Turbo Stationair HD aircraft at their site in Independence, Kansas.

The aircraft will join a fleet of nearly 550 Cessna aircraft currently owned and operated by CAP.

In September, Textron Aviation was awarded a contract by CAP for the further acquisition of 15 Cessna piston engine aircraft. CAP agreed to purchase 14 Skyhawk 172S and one Skylane 182T aircraft.

“From search and rescue, to disaster relief and homeland security, the missions CAP undertakes daily are as broad as their footprint across the US. We are honoured that Cessna aircraft continue to be the organization’s platform of choice for these crucial operations,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales.

“The Cessna piston aircraft fleet is renowned in general aviation for its operating costs, performance and durability, all important factors for an organisation supporting a variety of communities throughout the country.”

As the US Air Force Auxiliary, CAP performs missions for government agencies, and as a non-profit organisation they also serve states and communities.

In 2022, CAP flew more than 100,000 hours and saved 151 lives, conducting Air Force-assigned missions as well as support for states and communities. CAP is the world’s largest Cessna piston aircraft operator.

“Civil Air Patrol is thrilled to welcome these new Cessna aircraft to the world’s largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft,” said Maj Gen Edward D Phelka, CAP’s national commander/CEO. “CAP is proud to continue to partner with Textron Aviation as we utilise their outstanding products in executing complex and varied missions for America.”
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