Civil Air Patrol Expands Fleet With 15 New Cessna Aircraft to Support Lifesaving and Community Missions

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced today that Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the world's largest operator of Cessna aircraft, 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.

Cessna aircraft are designed and produced by Textron Aviation.

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

As a nonprofit and the US 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 US states, Puerto Rico (including the US 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

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

Endless Special Missions Possibilities

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.