US Civil Air Patrol Orders 21 New Cessna Aircraft for 2027 Delivery

Kansas, USA – US Air Force Auxiliary and volunteer aviation organisation Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has ordered 21 additional Cessna piston aircraft from aircraft manufacturer Textron Aviation, with deliveries expected to be completed in 2027. The aircraft will support CAP's nationwide flight training, youth aviation education, emergency response and community missions.

• The order comprises:
  • 7 Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft,
  • 11 Cessna Skylane 182 aircraft,
  • 2 Cessna Turbo Skylane T182T aircraft and
  • 1 Cessna Turbo Stationair HD 206 aircraft.
• According to Textron Aviation, CAP currently operates a fleet of 543 single-engine aircraft, making it the world's largest operator of Cessna aircraft. Since October 2024, the organisation has flown nearly 200,000 hours across its activities, including 860 search-and-rescue missions.
• CAP uses Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft for cadet orientation flights, providing young participants with practical exposure to aviation through structured flight activities. Its separate flight academies offer formal flight instruction toward solo flying and private pilot qualifications.
• The latest acquisition follows a December 2025 order for 15 Cessna piston aircraft, comprising seven Skyhawk 172s and eight Skylane 182s, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2026. The two orders represent 36 aircraft contracted across the two announcements.
• AFM previously reported that Textron Aviation announced avionics and engine system enhancements for its Cessna piston aircraft lineup in April 2026, covering the Skyhawk, Skylane, Turbo Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD. The upgrades include Garmin G1000 NXi System Release 7 and Lycoming dual electronic ignition systems, with enhanced aircraft expected to enter service from late 2026 through early 2027.

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 at Textron Aviation.

About Textron Aviation
Textron Aviation is a Wichita, Kansas-headquartered aircraft manufacturer and subsidiary of Textron Inc., producing aircraft under the Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker and Pipistrel brands. Its portfolio includes piston aircraft, turboprops, business jets, military trainers and special mission aircraft, with customers in more than 170 countries.

Source: Textron Aviation