CAP, Textron Contract for 17 New Cessnas

Civil Air Patrol’s long-standing collaboration with Textron Aviation Inc. continues, as the Cessna manufacturer was recently awarded a new contract for 17 piston-engine aircraft.

Using fiscal 2020 funds, CAP agreed to purchase 11 Skyhawk 172s, five Skylane 182Ts and one Turbo Stationair HD T206H. They will join CAP’s fleet of nearly 550 Cessnas currently in use, making the organization the world’s largest Cessna piston operator.

“From search and rescue, to disaster relief and homeland security, the missions Civil Air Patrol undertakes daily are as broad as their footprint across the U.S. We are honored that Cessna aircraft continue to be the organization’s platform of choice for these crucial operations,” said Bob Gibbs, vice president, special missions sales, for Textron Aviation. “The Cessna piston aircraft fleet is renowned in general aviation for its operating costs, performance and durability, all important factors for an organization supporting a variety of communities throughout the country.”

As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a Total Force partner, CAP performs missions for government agencies, and as a nonprofit organization it also serves states and communities. In fiscal 2019, CAP saved 117 lives and flew nearly 96,000 hours. This year, CAP has used its fleet in support of the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the just announced contract, in 2019 CAP ordered 19 aircraft and deliveries of those have begun, with two Turbo Stationair HD pistons already delivered. CAP will be accepting new aircraft from the 2019 contract through mid-September.