Kansas, USA – US Air Force Auxiliary and volunteer aviation organisation Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is continuing its aircraft fleet renewal through an order for 21 additional Cessna piston aircraft from Textron Aviation, with deliveries expected during 2027. Announced on October 21, 2026, the order supports CAP's nationwide aviation education, pilot training and emergency services activities, including programs introducing young people to flying and preparing cadets for pilot certification.

The 21-aircraft order comprises seven Cessna Skyhawk 172s, 11 Cessna Skylane 182s, two Cessna Turbo Skylane T182Ts and one Cessna Turbo Stationair HD 206. Textron Aviation expects to complete deliveries in 2027.
The acquisition follows CAP's December 2025 order for 15 aircraft, comprising seven Cessna 172s and eight Cessna 182s scheduled for delivery during 2026. Together, the two orders cover 36 aircraft over consecutive procurement announcements.
CAP's formal pilot development activities include its Cadet Wings program, which provides financial support for cadets working toward a Private Pilot Certificate through local flight schools or CAP instructors using Cessna 172 aircraft. CAP's published graduate records identified its 563rd Cadet Wings graduate as of October 19, 2026.
The organisation separately provides structured orientation flights for cadets under 18, with each eligible participant able to undertake up to five powered-aircraft flights. These flights provide introductory aviation experience rather than formal flight instruction toward a pilot licence.
According to Textron Aviation, CAP has flown nearly 200,000 hours since October 2024 across its activities, including 860 search-and-rescue missions. The flight-hour figure covers the organisation's wider operations and is not a measure of dedicated pilot training activity.

Statements

“These Cessna aircraft help ensure our members are ready when communities need us, whether searching for someone who is missing, responding after a disaster, or introducing young people to aviation. Our longstanding relationship with Textron Aviation helps give our members the reliable aircraft they need to serve our communities, states, and the nation,” said Major General Regena Aye, National Commander and CEO of Civil Air Patrol.
“Civil Air Patrol has a remarkable ability to turn flight hours into real impact for communities across the country. From search and rescue to disaster response and aviation education, these missions demand aircraft that are capable, dependable and ready to serve. We’re proud that Cessna aircraft continue to play a role in helping CAP fulfill that mission," said Bob Gibbs, vice president, Defense & Special Mission Sales, Textron Aviation.

Source: Textron Aviation

US Air Force Auxiliary Expands Training Aircraft Orders for 2026–2027

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