Civil Air Patrol expands fleet with 15 new Cessna aircraft to support lifesaving and community missions

Civil Air Patrol is strengthening its national mission capabilities with an order for 15 additional piston-engine aircraft, including seven Cessna Skyhawk 172 and eight Cessna Skylane 182 models scheduled for delivery throughout 2026. The order follows recent deliveries of an additional two Cessna Skylane and one Cessna Turbo Stationair HD aircraft, expanding CAP’s fleet to more than 500 Cessna aircraft nationwide.

Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Missions Sales commented: “Civil Air Patrol’s missions demand aircraft that are reliable, versatile and ready to perform in critical moments. We’re honored that CAP continues to choose Cessna aircraft to support life-saving operations across the country.”

Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, national commander and CEO, CAP stated: “These new aircraft strengthen our ability to respond quickly, train effectively and support communities nationwide. Textron Aviation has been a steadfast supporter in helping us fulfill our mission to serve and protect.”

As a nonprofit and the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, CAP is a cost-effective force multiplier providing warfighter support and other crucial services for federal, state and local agencies. The organization operates in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands), the District of Columbia and in more than 1,400 communities.

In 2025 alone, CAP:

• Flew more than 100,000 hours;
• Completed over 400 search and rescue missions;
• Recorded more than 200 finds;
• Saved at least three dozen lives; and
• Logged 82 percent of flying hours on Air Force-assigned missions

When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation. The company’s aviation solutions provide the high performance and flight characteristics required to address the unique challenges of special missions operations. With unparalleled quality, versatility and low operating costs, Textron Aviation products are chosen for air ambulance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, utility transport, aerial survey, flight inspection, training and a number of other special operations.