Civil Air Patrol’s Congressional Squadron took delivery Oct. 11 of a new Cessna 182T aircraft from Textron Aviation after a flight from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas to Joint Base Andrews.
Congressional Squadron pilots Lt. Cols. Mike “Bishop” Sheen and James “Attila” Hyde, used the eight-hour flight to familiarize themselves with the aircraft, which includes a special search and rescue package developed by Garmin in the G1000 avionics suite designed to support CAP missions. Sheen and Hyde have combined for more than 10,000 flight hours.
The G1000 NXi avionics suite in the new 182T features improvements over its predecessor, including much brighter screens easier to read in direct sunlight. The suite and integrated GFC700 digital autopilot are familiar to those with G1000 experience, with some new features and functions to be explored.
The steam gauge standby instruments have also been updated with digital backup for attitude, heading, and altitude. In addition, only one altimeter setting is required, as the system takes the primary flight display entry and sends it to the autopilot and the standby instrument. The aircraft interior has also been upgraded.
“The new aircraft is important to Civil Air Patrol and the Congressional Squadron, showing members of Congress and staff the importance of their support in Civil Air Patrol missions and members,” said Lt. Col. Randy Cohen, squadron deputy commander.
The new aircraft replaces one of two aircraft operated by the squadron.
The Congressional Squadron conducts and supports local operations in the national capital area and participates in joint interceptor air defense training rotation with adjoining CAP wings supporting the Air National Guard’s 113th Wing’s Capital Guardians.
With more than 540 aircraft, Civil Air Patrol operates one of the largest fleets of single-engine piston planes in the world.
