Who owns the Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 based at the CMC airport, referred to in the April 16 Herald? If it's owned by a government agency, what were the purchase and maintenance costs? How many days a year on average is it used on "inland search and rescue services?" What is the "cost/benefit" for having this plane? In an emergency, wouldn't it be more cost efficient to charter a plane or commandeer a banner plane? Didn't we just buy a helicopter for the mosquito commission?
Moderator's Note: According to the FAA registry, the aircraft is registered to the Civil Air Patrol at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Ala. It is a government-owned aircraft, manufactured in 2001 by Maule with a Lycoming engine.