Textron Aviation Inc., was awarded a contract by the U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for the sale of 17 Cessna piston engine aircraft. Using fiscal year 2020 funds, the CAP agreed to purchase 11 Skyhawk 172S, five Skylane 182T and one Turbo Stationair HD T206HD aircraft. The aircraft will join a fleet of nearly 550 Cessna aircraft currently owned and operated by the CAP.

“From search and rescue, to disaster relief and homeland security, the missions the CAP undertake 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. “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 Air Force Auxiliary, the CAP performs missions for government agencies, and as a non-profit organization they also serve states and communities. In fiscal year 2019, the CAP saved 117 lives and flew nearly 96,000 hours in their Cessna piston fleet. Today, the CAP is the world’s largest Cessna piston operator.

In addition to the just announced contract, in 2019, the CAP ordered 19 aircraft and deliveries of those have begun, with two Turbo Stationair HD pistons already delivered.