The New Jersey Wing has added a brand-new 2025 Cessna C-182T Skylane to its fleet — one of 15 aircraft joining CAP’s single-engine fleet this year.
The plane, designated N485CA, was delivered from the Textron Aviation factory in Independence, Kansas, and arrived June 11 at Trenton-Robbinsville Airport.
Piloted by Capt. Robert DelTufo and 1st Lt. Girish Mandhwani, the aircraft completed a ferry flight covering over 1,000 nautical miles. DelTufo belongs to the Raritan Valley Composite Squadron, while Mandhwani is a Group 223 member.
Their route included scheduled fuel and rest stops at Salem-Leckrone Airport in Illinois and Allegheny County Airport in Pennsylvania.
“These aircraft are being distributed across Civil Air Patrol based on our distribution model,” said Mike Valdez, CAP’s logistics chief.
“We’re about halfway through our annual distribution, which is usually 12-15 aircraft depending on the funding available.”
Other Cessna aircraft deliveries are planned in August and October, Valdez said.
With 545 aircraft in operation, CAP maintains the largest single-engine fleet in the world.
The 2025 Cessna received by the New Jersey Wing is a four-seat, fuel-efficient single-engine aircraft known for its reliability, performance, and versatility. It comes equipped with the advanced Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, offering improved situational awareness, faster processing, and superior display clarity for both VFR and IFR flight operations.
With a powerful 230-horsepower engine and modern navigation features, it’s ideal for CAP’s three congressionally chartered missions: emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs.
.“This aircraft is a significant investment in the future readiness of our wing,” said Col. Amy Myzie, New Jersey Wing commander. “The advanced avionics and enhanced safety features of the C-182T will expand our capabilities across a wide range of missions — from search and rescue to disaster relief and critical training for our cadets and aircrews.”
Maj. Wasim Baig, the wing’s director of operations, added: “The delivery of N485CA is an exciting step forward. It will be utilized for flight training, mission readiness exercises, and operational support during statewide emergency responses.
“Our crews are already preparing to integrate this aircraft into upcoming training and missions.”
The new Cessna 182 will also serve as a platform for orientation flights for cadets, helping inspire the next generation of aviators and aerospace professionals.
With this latest addition, the wing continues its commitment to maintaining a modern, mission-ready fleet capable of supporting both state and national objectives._____Lt. Col. Bill PetzingerPublic Affairs OfficerNew Jersey Wing
