Civil Air Patrol gets new aircraft

The Idaho Civil Air Patrol showcased its new aircraft Thursday.

The aircraft is Cessna model 206 turbocharged, single-engine aircraft. The Eagle Rock Squadron in Idaho Falls said it will increase the effectiveness of their search-and-rescue capabilities, as well as their Air Force Auxiliary cadet training.

“This aircraft gives us a much broader spectrum of training ability because it lets us train them and expose them to state-of-the-art instrumentation that they’re going to find in modern military and commercial aircraft, should they choose that path,” said Eagle Rock Squadron Maintenance Officer Col. Jim Haldy.

The Cessna model 206 can seat five passengers and a pilot, which will increase the patrol’s search capabilities. The aircraft is also equipped with a turbocharged engine and can transport about 1,500 pounds of cargo. Older aircraft models can only seat four people and are not capable of transporting a lot of cargo.

The newer 2014 model has better navigational equipment, as well as special direction finder system that is designed to locate emergency beacons commonly utilized by general aviation aircraft.

“The capabilities this aircraft can easily be compared to that of a major airline aircraft,” said Haldy.

The cost to the CAP for the new aircraft was approximately $700,000, which was
provided by the U.S. Air Force in support of CAP’s role as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Nationwide, CAP maintains a fleet of approximately 550 single-engine aircraft.