Cessna Skyhawk

The US Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has placed an order with Textron’s subsidiary Cessna Aircraft to buy 21 Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft.

The CAP, which is a federally chartered non-profit organisation, operates a fleet of 550 aircraft that includes Skyhawks and Cessna Skylane 182 piston airliners, as well as 46 gliders.

Cessna Piston Aircraft senior vice-president Joe Hepburn said: "Few things are as fulfilling to all of us than our continued support of the CAP, our largest customer for single-engine piston aircraft.

"The men and women of the CAP are involved in search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief, flight training, youth development and in promoting aviation throughout the country."

"Flying high-wing aircraft is very helpful for CAP especially in conducting photo reconnaissance flights for emergency service providers in the aftermath of disasters."

Cessna plans to produce the Skyhawk 172 aircraft on order at its facility in Independence, Kansas.

The aircraft are expected to be delivered during the first half of 2015, and will replace the ageing aircraft in CAP’s fleet.

The CAP Skyhawks will feature standard equipment, including Garmin G1000 avionics suite, and will be used for glider towing.

CAP COO Don Rowland said: "Flying high-wing aircraft is very helpful for CAP especially in conducting photo reconnaissance flights for emergency service providers in the aftermath of disasters, and the Skyhawk and Skylane are perfectly suited for our needs."

Cessna has so far delivered more than 48,000 Skyhawk aircraft, which is said to be the most popular aircraft model ever produced.

Designated as the Air Force auxiliary, CAP provides services such as search-and-rescue and disaster relief and consists of more than 58,000 volunteer members.

Image: CAP’s Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft are expected to be delivered throughout the first half of 2015. Photo: courtesy of Cessna Aircraft Company.