General Aviation Embry-Riddle selects Cessna Skyhawk as training aircraft

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Textron Aviation. An initial purchase agreement was signed for at least 60 Cessna Skyhawk aircraft between 2019 and 2022. Embry-Riddle holds rights to order more units.

The signing ceremony was held during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The deal was signed by Barry Butler, president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation.

Ron Draper commented: “Having a customer like Embry-Riddle commit to long-term selection of the Skyhawk as their preferred trainer of choice is a continued testament to its status as the most popular single-engine aircraft ever built [...] Textron Aviation continues to build on its strong relationship with Embry-Riddle going back more than 20 years, and we look forward to helping train the next generation of pilots.”

“In keeping with Embry-Riddle’s rigorous focus on aviation safety, new aircraft for our fleet were selected following an exhaustive evaluation by a team of experts on both our Prescott, Ariz., and Daytona Beach, Fla., campuses [...] We are honored to extend our successful 21-year relationship with Textron Aviation to replenish the Embry-Riddle fleet with Skyhawk aircraft, to provide our students with a highly effective and reliable training platform that will serve them well,” added Barry Butler.

Since 2014, Embry-Riddle has purchased more than 75 aircraft from Textron Aviation, primarily Cessna Skyhawks. The aircraft provide the needed platform for the University´s enhanced training programmes. Embry-Riddles has also stated, that the new aircraft will primarily replenish the school´s current fleet of Skyhawks.

Embry-Riddle has facilities in Daytona Beach and Prescott where students learn flying on the Cessna Skyhawk aircraft. As standard platform for pilot training, the Skyhawk enjoys high reputation from schools and universities.

The Skyhawk offers a combination of modern features like the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics system with wireless connectivity and a new angle-of-attack display system. Around the world, more than 44,000 Skyhawks have been put into service.