Cessna Delivers 1,000th Caravan and 1,000th Single-Engine Aircraft

The 1,000th Cessna Caravan has been delivered to a Central American operator, and the 1,000th in Cessna's new single-engine series of light, four-place aircraft has been delivered to a pilot-training center in Indiana.

In ceremonies at NBAA, the Grand Caravan was delivered to John Grief, president of Tropic Air, who plans to offer upscale passenger service to destinations in Belize and Guatemala.

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk SP was delivered to John Hammel of Ace High, a Cessna Pilot Center in Bloomington, IN.

"We have selected Caravans for our operations because they meet our objectives for reliability and economic operation and because our passengers tell us Caravans are quieter and roomier than the aircraft we used previously," Grief said. "Owning the 1,000th unit of this great design is a real honor for our company."

Hammel said the SP will join a Skyhawk 172R already in service at Ace High.

"The entire single-engine team is enthused about the delivery of the 1,000th aircraft," said Pat Boyarski, general manager of the Single-Engine Facility. "It is notable that this milestone delivery occurred just 22 months after our very first delivery in January 1997."

He said it was particularly fitting that the new Skyhawk would be used to train new pilots "who are vital to sustaining the growth of general aviation."

By Jim Street