Cessna has secured an order from the US Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for 21 Skyhawk 172 piston singles, which will replace older models in the volunteer-run organisation’s fleet.
The high-wing aircraft will be delivered throughout the first half of the year and will be used for a host of missions throughout the USA, including search and rescue, disaster relief and flight training.
“Few things are as fulfilling to all of us than our continued support of the CAP, our largest customer for single-engined piston aircraft,” says Cessna’s senior vice-president for piston aircraft, Joe Hepburn.
The CAP operates a fleet of 550 aircraft, consisting mainly of Skyhawks and the longer-range Skylane 182s. It also operates 46 gliders.
Don Rowland, CAP’s chief operating officer, says: “Flying high-wing aircraft is very helpful for CAP, especially in conducting photo reconnaissance flights for emergency service providers in the aftermath of disasters. The Skyhawk and Skylane are perfectly suited for our needs.”
CAP’s Garmin G1000-equipped Skyhawks will be equipped for glider towing, Cessna says.
Source: Flight International
