Wichita, KS—October 8, 2007—Yingling Aviation of Wichita recently completed the installation of a special avionics package on a Cessna Model 182T specifically equipped to accomplish the Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP’s) search and rescue missions. The milestone aircraft was the 100th completed by Yingling and Cessna for the CAP since Yingling received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Special Missions Equipment installation in 2003.
The system includes two Garmin GMA-1347 audio panels, a Technisonic TDFM-136 FM transceiver for direct communication with law enforcement entities, a Becker DF-517 Direction Finder, and an optional ARTEX 110-406 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) with ELT-NAV interface which transmits the aircraft’s position via satellite. The modified Skylanes can also be configured to accommodate an ARNAV RCOM 100 SATCOM with NAT PTA-12 Telephone Dialer. The dual audio system allows observers in the back seats of the specially-equipped airplanes to converse among themselves while the pilot continues to communicate on a different channel.
“The mission of the Civil Air Patrol is important and extensive,” noted Bob Gallop, Yingling’s Vice President of Repair Station Operations. “We’re glad that we can contribute to the capability of the CAP by equipping their 182s with a package that makes their communications and interaction with search and rescue personnel on the ground and in other aircraft easier and more efficient. By interfacing existing avionics with the special package designed for the CAP’s search and rescue mission, we’re able to create airplanes that will be more efficient in doing their job and safer for the crews who operate them,” he added.
The Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with almost 60,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 95 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 25,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 60 years.
About Yingling
Yingling Aviation has been affiliated with Cessna Aircraft Company longer than any other fixed base operation, having been named the first Cessna dealer more than 60 years ago. Its 80+ employees are dedicated to serving customers. Yingling offers award-winning service operations, Cessna Pilot Center flight training, a spacious pilot’s lounge, and an outstanding selection of equipment, specialty items, and gifts at its Aviator’s Attic, Wichita’s foremost Fixed Base Operation also provides exceptional hospitality and service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Yingling is the largest Cessna parts supplier in the world, offering fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing, with A.O.G. orders received before 11:30 AM shipped the same day. Yingling Aviation can be reached by calling (316) 943-3246 or on the web at yinglingaviation.com.