Textron Aviation named Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University, Sterling Flight Training, and Victors Aviation as the five recipients of its 2026 Top Hawk training support program, now entering its second decade of helping develop the next generation of pilots.
Top Hawk, one of the industry’s longest-running collaborations between a manufacturer and flight schools, places factory-new Cessna Skyhawk aircraft in selected training programs for one year. The program helps modernize fleets and expand access to piston trainers equipped with advanced avionics and safety features. Since its 2015 launch, Top Hawk has delivered 55 new Skyhawks, providing more than 1,000 student pilots hands-on experience.
“These organizations demonstrate strong student engagement, high aircraft utilization, and a commitment to growing the next generation of aviators,” noted Textron Vice President Piston & Utility Sales Chris Crow.
Operators use the loaned aircraft not only for flight training but also for community outreach, discovery flights, airshow appearances, and youth aviation events, bringing flying experiences to new audiences and strengthening the broader pilot pipeline.
Recipients welcomed Textron’s recognition and highlighted the value of the program. “We are grateful that Cessna has entrusted us to represent them through the use of the newest Cessna 172 Skyhawk, allowing us to introduce the next generation of aviators to the very best training platform available,” Victors Aviation stated. “As a Cessna Pilot Center, we take pride in representing the quality, safety, and innovation associated with the Cessna name,” noted Brazos Valley Flight Services.