Liberty University expands Pilot Training Program with 16 additional Cessna Skyhawks

Textron Aviation today announced an agreement with Liberty University for the purchase of 16 Cessna Skyhawks to be delivered beginning in 2026. The aircraft will add to Liberty University's existing fleet of 24 Skyhawks to ensure that the university's students receive the highest quality pilot training aircraft available. 

The Cessna Skyhawk is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

"We are proud to support Liberty University's aviation program and equip students with access to the industry-leading Cessna Skyhawk," said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. "Liberty University's commitment to excellence in aviation education aligns with Textron Aviation's vision of inspiring the journey of flight, and we are confident that these aircraft will enhance the training experience for their students." 

With a longstanding reputation for excellence in aviation education, the acquisition of these 16 Cessna Skyhawks marks a significant expansion milestone for Liberty University's School of Aeronautics. The Skyhawk's stable flight characteristics, advanced avionics, and proven dispatch reliability have made it a trusted training platform for over six decades. The expanded fleet will allow even more students to train on the industry's most popular training aircraft. 

The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training, and it is the most popular single-engine aircraft in aviation history. Since the aircraft first took flight in 1955, over 45,000 Cessna 172 aircraft have been delivered to customers around the world — more than any other aircraft in the industry. The single-engine, four-seat, high-wing Skyhawk is renowned for offering the best combination of modern features, including the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with wireless connectivity, a standard angle-of-attack display system and proven dependability. The aircraft also features McCauley's aluminum fixed pitch propeller, providing greater reliability and operating time, and a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine with 180 horsepower.