Cessna 182 Becomes Wildlife Research Tool

On foot, J. Michael Fay crossed more than 2,000 miles to document stretches of African wilderness the world had never seen before. He helped establish 13 national parks in the Gabon region of Africa, preserving many species found nowhere else in the world.

To begin his next research and conservation endeavors, Fay will take delivery of a new Cessna Skylane 182T at 1130 Tuesday, at Cessna Aircraft Company, Wichita, KS.

"The aircraft will range over Central Africa and enable conservationist pilots to zero in on and identify individual species and human settlements," Fay said. "We can count roads and rivers accessible by people, electrical power infrastructure and irrigation systems. It will create access in some of the most remote -- and most beautiful -- areas on the planet."

The airplane is not only needed to research the terrain, it will help conservationists track roving animals.

"All the wild dog and lion radio telemetry is done in a Cessna 182," Fay said. "Following animals over roadless and mountainous terrain can only be done in an airplane. An airplane for conservation projects in East and Central Africa, is what a boat is to a marine program."

The Wildlife Conservation Society chose the Cessna 182 because Cessnas can endure the stress of the African environment.

"Cessnas are durable, comparatively easy to fly, and can land on short, unpaved runways," Fay said. "Beyond that, they are mechanically strong, and maintenance is simpler than on other makes. Bush airplanes are subject to damage from dust, rocks and animals. They are almost never hangared, so the heat is always an issue. Cessnas persevere, and are known as the workhorses of Africa. Many of the Cessnas used by conservationists have been in service for decades."

The high-set wing configuration also makes them ideal for aerial surveys.

"Cessna employees appreciate knowing many airplanes they build help with important missions, like the conservation efforts Dr. Fay directs," said Phil Michel, vice president of marketing.

FMI: www.cessna.com