Next batch of Cessna 172S for Colombian Air Force

The Colombian air force has taken delivery of a second batch of four Cessna 172S basic training aircraft. In March 2021, the first batch of four, with serials FAC2470 till FAC2473, were delivered.

The brand new Cessna 172S replace the venerable Cessna T-41D Mescalero, itself a Cessna 172 variant, a real tribute to a type which has been in production for over fifty years.

The new Cessna 172 will serve alongside the air force’s CIAC-built Lancair Legacy FG, locally known as T-90 Calima, in the basic training role with the Escuela Aviacion Militar (EMAVI, Military Aviation School) at Cali-MF Suarez.

Mid-July 2022, the second batch were flown from the United States to Colombia via Central America, with at least two aircraft stopping at Guatemala-La Aurora, where FAC2474 and FAC2476 were seen.

Meanwhile, the following Cessna 172Ss have been deregistered from the US Civil Aviation Register as exported to Colombia on 7/8 July 2022: c/n 172S12843 (ex N843AF), 172S12846 (ex N846AF), 172S12848 (ex N848AF), and 172S12850 (ex N850AF), which are likely filling the serial gaps.

Pictures: Carlos Alberto Rubio Herrera