Cessna Cardinal 177RG full review | 1000 mile flight | Performance and Comparison
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- čas přidán 7. 01. 2022
- Most detailed review of Cessna Cardinal 177RG. You will see upgrades bringing an older plane to modern features. Performance and flight of our 1000 mile cross-country flight.
We will try to answer any questions you might have about 177RG.
Even though this plane is for sale this is not a sales video. It is a review video. I kindly ask if you are interested in this particular plane or interested in purchasing the plane to please contact the company directly. Not via CZcams comments.
Link for the details of this plane:
www.aerolifeaviation.com/Item... - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As a pilot myself, I have never seen a better and more detailed informational video about an airplane. And the voice of this lady is extremely mellow and inviting to continue listening attentively. Thank you.
Agreed, but please avoid those base ball caps (look-out limiting devices 🥶) in any cockpit especially in general aviation infested airspaces
Couldn’t ask for a more thorough review.
Appreciate the comment, it was a difficult task to make a full review video.
I’ve owned my 76RG for 42 years; since Feb. 1978 when it was just over 1 year old, and have flown it all over the US, including multiple trips crossing the Rockies. This video review is probably the most accurate and fair review I’ve seen on a Cardinal RG. It is a wonderful, comfortable, stable and efficient cross-country airplane, which performs very well at altitudes above those of most other normally aspirated SE airplanes. I’ve flown numerous long cross-county flights between 14,000’ to 17,500’ to take advantage of strong tailwinds. One such trip was at 15,500’ from Seattle, WA, to Oshkosh, WI, with only one fuel stop at Helena, MT. Due to the thin air ay 15,500’, TAS was down to around 130 kts, but with the tailwinds my ground speeds ran between 180 - 200 kts, while burning 6.5 GPH fuel. (This was with the stock normally aspirated 200 HP engine.) At altitudes below 8,000’ I normally see 148 kts TAS, burning 9.5 GPH at a LOP fuel settings.
A couple things not mentioned in the video. (1) Adding the PowerFlow tuned exhaust system is a significant performance improvement to the stock IO-360 engine in the Cardinal RG. I documented a 20% reduction in time to climb from sea level to 18,000’ in multiple performance tests. (2) There are numerous other performance improvement options such as turbo-charging or upgrading to an IO-390 engine. (3) The Cardinals have one of the most avid owner groups supported by cardinalflyers.com. (CFO)
Thank you Jerry for your detailed comment and sharing your experience with us. Since the review was getting so long we did not include all the information we wanted to. Some of my other Cardinal videos cover the topics like power flow exhaust performance.
Here in hot n sticky South Florida, the best I've ever been able to achieve is 14,000ft and change altitude. The engine, wing and prop quickly run out of performance in above average temps, like ISA +15 which is very common here. I keep hearing about Cardinal owners going up above 18,000. Around here, that's impossible. I've tried it a few times with a safety pilot and minimum fuel.
Excellent video. Back in the '70s I needed some night cross-country time for my commercial license and took my wife and a buddy along to fly a near new RG from San Jose Muni to Palm Springs and back which is about 800 miles total. Both my passengers said it was one of the best flying experiences ever! What a plane! A few years later, I almost bought a fixed gear 177, but it had too many problems and on the way home we stopped at another airport to see what might be posted on the forsale board and saw a beautiful Bonanza and ended up buying it. Loved that plane, but the Cardinal will always be my FIRST love! To me it is still one of the most beautiful production light planes ever built. Hated when Cessna discontinued it.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is too bad you didn't buy a Cardinal but the Bonanza is a good plane also. Appreciate you watching our video.
@@aerolife1646 You are welcome! Thanks for posting your video.
I own an early 177RG and find this video to be accurate. They are great cross country machines, the views are great, the fuel economy is excellent, the controls are light and very responsive, and the cabin is big enough for my very ample frame. While all Cardinal RG's are different, I did weigh mine twice, mine has a useful load of 1017 pounds. Even with the entire interior including seats, plastics, carpets, all of the lead-vinyl sound damping, insulation and some avionics removed, and of course all the fuel and oil, my plane weighed in at 100 pounds more than the factory claimed in the original paperwork. It is a good idea to weigh these, as Cessna pushed the limits with the truth. Or maybe filled the entire plane with helium prior to weighing.
Appreciate you sharing your experience with Cardinal RG and thank you for watching our video
Cheating with Helium LOL !
For real ?
@@oceanhome2023 Of course that was a little joke, but it's good to know that Cessna was less than truthful with regard to the empty weight of the Cardinal. My point above is that their claimed weight was utterly impossible.
terrific job..its good to see folks holding up the older namebrand aircraft..I soloed in a 1971 Cardinal with the 150 Lycoming.. 3 best landings i ever did,,always enjoyed rhe entire cardinal line..my only gripe was over the dash visibility..im 6 feet tall..that aircraft cost my father $6500 in 1973.. it had i believe 650 tt avgas was 80-87 octane red..at about $.87/gal.. my how everything has changed..all except the thrill of breaking ground, defying death and cheating gravity yet one more time, my flying career is over now with 14,000 hours.. i would not have traded it for anything...keep up the good work, to you and your crew, many thanks
Thank you very much, we really appreciate the comment and your insight into the Cardinal’s history too.
Just found your channel. So impressed! Possibly the best pilot aviation presentation I've seen - clear, thorough, practical and useful. Well done! I've also always had a crush on the Cardinals. Your walk through inspired me to work harder towards that goal. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your comment and watching our videos. The Cardinals are great planes.
Great video- thorough and kept my attention. Thanks!
I actually flew this Plane 3 years ago:) a wonderful piece
Now this is the way an aircraft review should be produced. This lady deserves three plane sales in a day.
Appreciate the comment.
Love these videos. Cheers!
Appreciate the comment, thank you for watching our videos.
Great informative video and a sweet example of a Cardinal.
Love the video and the cardinal, thank you!
You're welcome, glad you like it. Thanks for watching.
Great video. Very good detail. I love the upgraded avionics. It seems like a very nice plane.
An excellent video. Your detailed information on the various aspects of the aircraft was top notch.
Very nice video on the Cardinal. The Cardinal was, and remains, a favorite. Stay safe and continue producing long form videos, this helps to grow the GA community. Cheers!!
What a wonderful review and even better aircraft!!!
Appreciate the comment, they encourage us to do better. Thanks
Everything is good on this beautiful 177rg. I have unfortunately had 3 engine failures as a pilot. Piper 140, Cessna 177, and Baron C -55. Made a runway with the Piper. Made a Road with the Cessna 177. Runway with the Baron. Luckily all three were day VFR. I fly twin aircraft now.
Yep. No hype. When this woman says it’s the most detailed review out there, it really is the most detailed review on YT. Ditto for her others reviews. Great channel.
Thank you, appreciate you watching our videos and your comment as well.
You make the best airplane tour videos!!!! Thank you very much for sharing. BTW, that’s a beautiful Cardinal!
Appreciate your commenting, glad you enjoyed the video. We really enjoy sharing airplanes and knowledge with the aviation community and everyone.
Fantastic content as usual. What a great airplane...thanks!
Really appreciate you watching our videos and the comment.
That’s a very beautiful Cardinal!
Outstanding overview of the Cardinal, so detailed and professional! The instrument panel retrofit looks superb.
Thank you very much for the comment. The panel came very nice, the aluminum panels allow for a much better finish and clean look than the original plastics when they are done properly like this one was.
Not even a minute into this video, and I am so appreciative the headset you’re using. Outstanding sound quality! Thanks!
Thank you, appreciate the comment. It took a few tries but I think we found a decent microphone for recordings.
Wow, that’s an amazing Cardinal and very detailed. This is exactly my goal to own one day. This exact one.
Thank you very much for the comment. It is a great plane with upgrades like no other. Good luck with your goal to own one some day.
Very good, thank you. I‘ve liked this airplane for quite a while, your video just confirms this.
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the comment
Very nice airplane! I really like Cardinals, and this one with that panel is beyond awesome. Nice review as well.
I've seen many Cardinals and I haven't seen a better panel. thanks for the comment
This Cardinal is gonna be mine! Hey I love your videos! Greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴
Thank you for watching our videos. This time of year you probably have better weather down there for flying.
Very nice explanation for the Cardinal 177rg
Haitham
Appreciate it, thanks for watching
Flew a lease back Cardinal 177, 180 hp. constant speed propeller, fixed gear out of Santa Monica CA in the 1970's- early 1980. The check flight was very easy moving up from the C-172 and that extra 30 hp made a huge difference in climb and cruise. Landing was a piece of cake with the all fly stabilizer. sitting in front of the leading edge made clearing turns much easier compared to the C-172. A real joy to fly.
A fantastic video of my favourite aeroplane. It flies like a dream.
The Cardinal RG will always be one of my favorite also. Thanks for watching
Great video, thank you for sharing I know that took a ton of work so Bravo 👏 . Love the bird, panel is amazing. We flew a pair of C310's over the years with a brief stint in a 172 after we slide off the runway in our 55 310 and had to replace a wing, that was in the 70's & I was like 7. Take care and keep em coming 😉
You are welcome. It actually took days for us to record and edit the video. Thank you for watching our videos.
Excellent and thorough review. Well-researched and presented. Thanks for sharing why many of us Cardinal owners love our planes!
You are welcome, thank you for watching and the comment
Thank you for such a detailed and useful video. First time owners and buyers must watch it.
Thank you for watching and your comment.
Always love your informative videos. Nice to see you sharing your joy of aviation with your daughter.
Thank you Ray
Amazing details...very elobrative on the technical specifications,kudos
Thank you and thanks for watching
Yeah. Thoroughly enjoyed the video presentation. Clarity speed and information was perfect for a non pilot. Beautiful plane BTW.
Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the nice comment also.
Great video. Did much of my instrument training and check ride in the RG. That was in the early 70's and of course no glass panels then, but did have a HSI. This was in Hawaii and made a great weekend rental for comfortable trips between the islands. It was definitely a plane you loved to fly.
Thanks for sharing your experience in an RG. They are a nice, stable platform to learn instruments in and would be a great plane to fly around beautiful Hawaii.
Great video and review. The part that stuck out with me, was the exceptional parenting.
Really appreciate your comment. It is very important to introduce youth to aviation and share these experiences with them whenever we can.
Well explained! Very nice aircraft.
I've always liked Cessna Cardinals, and your video helped me learn how one may create a fabulous IFR and X-C aircraft. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome, they are a great IFR & cross country plane - especially the RG model. Thanks for watching
I flew a 177RG during college in the late 1970s for commercial/instrument. I very much liked the aircraft.
what a great plane you have. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate the comment. Thank you for watching.
Wonderful review! Looking to get one of these and this helped completely make up my mind! I think the listed shoulder width is closer to 48" (but that's at the seats not where you measured). Bottom line: it's rooomy!
You have a unique channel, keep it up. Subscribed.
Thank you, your comment is appreciated
Great video, thanks. I bought a '76RG a couple of years ago. It took more than a year, but I completely upgraded it including paint, custom interior, a full Garmin panel including 2 G3Xi's and a GFC500 plus the audio, radio, transponder, etc. I also installed a LIDAR ground proximity system and micro VGs. The engine was recently overhauled so all in I have what amounts to a new plane with higher capabilities than most for less than half what a factory new one would cost. This is a route I highly recommend to anyone considering buying an overpriced new airplane.
It never registered with me that the RG gave 180 knots. I guess I might be "challenged" after all. I've always loved this airframe. It's beautiful, it's spacious, (I am large) and now I learn... it is fast! Maybe if we live in the hanger we could have one.
They are a fun plane to fly, comfortable and fast. Maybe someday it will work out for you. Thanks for watching
Great presentation. Beautiful aircraft. Thank you
Appreciate the comment, thank you for watching.
Another great video. Didn't realize the secondary display was an iPad. Such a clean setup. I wish I could afford this particular model right now. This is currently my dream plane.
The iPad Pro is connected to the 345 for traffic and weather display. Thanks for the comment and watching our videos.
@@aerolife1646 Was it running Foreflight or Garmin Pilot?
@@nolmscheid It is running Foreflight.
Thank you very much! I have always liked the Cardinal, and feel that Cessna really messed up the original version with a low powered engine and not having that slotted stabilator. That plane still turns heads where ever it goes.
love this plane, wish i could buy it
Always good.
Thanks
Thank you for watching our videos and taking the time to comment.
I learned to fly the RG on Microsoft Flight Simulator. :) Thanks for the very detailed review.
Thank you, I've wanted to try flying in the sim to compare.
I also did this. In fact, I flew the 177RG in simulated flights around the world on two different occasions. This is one of my favorite planes to fly in the sim.
I got my instrument rating and CFII back in 1968 in an original fixed gear underpowered Cardinal. Later that plane was modified to 180hp with a CS prop. It made it a perfect combination of hp, and prop. I loved that plane.
That sounds like it worked out great for you. They are very good planes for most any training. Thank you for sharing your experience
Nice review. I love it! I only wish I could afford it.
Appreciate the comment, thank you for watching.
Very comprehensive review. As are all your videos.
Thank you for the comment and watching our videos
Nice video. Thank you. Lucky to have an IFR copilot!
Thank you for the comment and watching our video
Love that your daughter fly's on instruments when not being able to see over the panel. And if she gets enough hours of course she would make the better instrument pilot. Love flying the 177RG out of Reid Hillview in Northern CA after getting my license. While I loved the 172, the 177 was more fun and more comfortable. Tnks for a great video ride.
You are welcome, thank you for the comment and glad you enjoyed watching
Hi good morning thanks of share your video,,, this Cardinale its an luxe aircraft,,, lm fan of the aviation and comes intersting and fun hear and see your explanation,,, once again thanks and congrautlations,,, greetings of your friend Oscar de Playa del Carmen Q R México,,,
Thank you for watching
another great video!! i kinda favor the green 177 that you had earlier
Thank you very much for watching our videos. That green fixed gear was also a nice plane, I can understand why you liked it.
Unmissable and amazing video!
Thank you Henrique, glad you enjoyed the video
Another great video, thanks. You very nearly convinced me to trade in my M20J for a 177RG😀
Mooney J is a very nice plane. Mooney J has better performance numbers, Cardinal RG is a spacious, easy plane to fly. We would take yours on trade 🙂
Nice full review. I would love to have seen a bit more about true airspeed at rich and lean of peak with fuel flows. Thanks!
Appreciate the comment. That is a good suggestion to include in a future video.
Thanks for sharing
You're welcome
I'm sorry I don't know your name so I'll call you captain, OK. Captain, you're a wonderful pilot and presenter. Also you're a beautiful woman with great talent. I love your videos so you've convinced me and now I'm a subscriber. Please keep up the great work you do.
Cám ơn video chia sẻ của bạn rất hay, chúc bạn sức khỏe và hạnh phúc.
Nice long video thanks for info, i fly RC planes end build already an RC Plane Cessna cardinal. I love this model!
Thank you for watching; I’m sure the RC version is a cool thing to fly.
Good nigth,,, thanks for your video of this special aircraft Cardinal with a clear lines,,, and beauty silouet,,, a coment,,, lm a fan of the airplanes,,, thanks once again,,, your friend Oscar de Pachuca HGo Estados Unidos Mexicanos,,, so long,,,
Thank you
I learned to fly in this aircraft type. Is my first love.
The Cardinals are a great aircraft for learning and getting ratings in.
Awesome video also
Appreciate the comment, thank you
Excellent overview…
Thank you for the comment
Wow! I did not realize you were a pilot. I thought you was just a pretty face talking about airplanes. Great content.
Spoken like a true misogynist, way to go.
I'm impressed that you know the mechanics of the plane so well. Too many pilots know nothing more than checking the oil and turning the key.
I think it is very important to know the mechanics of how a plane works. It makes you a safer pilot.
@@aerolife1646 Also makes the annual inspections cheaper if you do the grunt work.
Great information
Thank you, appreciate the comment.
I have a lot of time in the 177 and if I could have a plane this would be the one .
Very nice presentation
Thank you, appreciate you watching
Beautiful video my Friend!!!. Awesome tour over de C.177; all I have to enquirer is how much does this plane cost on sale?, for our runaways here it would be better with a fixed landing gear!. I’m from Argentine Patagonia. Thank you.
If you come across a Flight Design CTLS I would love to see your detailed review. I really enjoyed the RV12 review thanks
Cessna hit a home run with this bird. Its a shame that they didnt continue building this bird. Pops had one long ago and it was fun to fly.
It was a home run and it is a shame they didn't make more of them.
The "Fancy" high cost computer/electronics is nice. But remember aircraft were flying just fine FOR 90 YEARS, without a single computer on board.
I've seen younger pilots nearly wet their pants when those screens go dark! Even on a CAVU day!
Well us old timers have no problem flying either way! 😉
As you said, pilot skills should not depend on technology. There are a lot more GA planes flying today than ever before and modern electronics give a greater situational awareness; they are a great tool to use while flying.
this channel rules
You panel is so dope. Can you do video on cost to upgrade your panel?
I am looking to purchase a 177rg in the near future, thanks 😊
Nice Cardinal and review..pretty cool to see your daughter enjoying aviation with you
One thing you skipped over was the pilot views in turns ..with the seating position and leading edge of the wing set further back than other Cessnas the view into a turn is much better
I appreciate you pointing out the increased visibility for turns. The set back of the wing does help quite a bit.
@@aerolife1646 ..you are welcome...nice mention of the Cardinal Cruiser as not many folks know of it..on the subject of power a IO-540 Cardinal would be a gas to fly
@@mattf49006 👍
I want it!
I know, it is a very desirable plane.
😍🥰
Great plane! I use to fly a 177 R/T. Yes, a retractable with a Turbo Charger! Fun plane!
As for this one, that panel is AWESOME! But if you're spending that much money, why splurge for Backlit Standby Instruments? That would've taken it over the top!
Maybe a video 20 mins or so would be suffice? Possibly a part II for in-depth review? 40+ minutes sounds intimidatingly long possibly? To each is own I suppose
I have a 73RG and it's so easy for my wheelchair bound son can enter and exit with ease.
Great job I would love to fly with you you do a great job…..
Thank you for the comment and watching our video
The cardinal is one of the best in class four seaters. Extremely easy to fly and get in and out of. Very comfortable. I would stick with the fixed gear. The only thing it lacks is 250hp turbo...
Just step up to the C-210 problem solved, another great airplane from Cessna.
Lol... Sure if you got the money. Cost of ownership on a 210 is pretty high
A very nicely done video. Really informative. By the time I saw this, the plane was sold. Does anyone have an idea of the asking price?
Watched that one being restored at my old airport TPF!
It's a small world. They were very nice people.
I always liked the Cardinal. Unfortunately, as a young 20 year old, I parked the rental facing down wind and did not have a good grasp on the door handle when I started to get out. Wasn't pretty. Got a good scolding from the FBO lol
The big doors can definitely be an issue when the wind comes in from behind them. The door steward upgrade definitely helps but it's still best to park into the wind whenever you can.
I better get this one out
👍
One question. I didn't see a backup mechanical AI yet the plane still has a vacuum pump. What is its purpose?
A few minor corrections;
-FG Cardinals were first sold in 1968 not 1967 as stated.
-The final RG landing gear improvement was introduced in 1976, not 1974 as stated. The 1974-75 models had the third generation of landing gear system. I have a 1973 model and, although my 2nd generation system is considered suboptimal, my landing gear has not failed in 20 yrs and 3000 hours of flight, so that should not be a deal breaker if you're considering purchasing a 177RG.
Great video. Beautiful plane. Thanks.
What I like about this panel is it kept most of the round gauges as back ups which is why it still has the vacuum system. They might not be very clear from the angle of the video.
The video was correct, the 1968 model was first introduced in late 1967 which is how it was stated.
Could you send the source for the landing gear changes, I would like to review that.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the landing gear. We appreciate you watching the video and taking time to comment.
Cessna 177 Cardinal is a sexy plane ,, even with fixed gear.... insurance is a bit cheaper though,,, still sexy
They have a unique look to them that a lot of people like, both the FG and the RG; you're right that the FG is a bit cheaper on insurance.
Dear Pilot, could you share (if you tried) economy settings for a long trip ? Thanks in advance, Andres
19.3 mpg if you convert that trip to road miles with your c177 fuel burn. That's damn efficient and it doesn't take 22 hours worth of driving!
Thanks for commenting, I did the calculation as well but the video was getting so long I didn't include that portion.
Ah, strutless started with the Air Master and the 195's!
Thanks for the info. I think they were 1930 era taildragger aircraft.
You mentioned about the three blade prop, give your recommendation not to change to it due to the expenses, but you didn't make mention of what the difference is performance speed such like that, just wondering that if it was time for a new prop anyway or possibly some other reason you needed a new prop with the benefits would be
Current prop has around 200 hours so there is no need for a new prop on this plane. 3 blade prop has a little better climb performance but little less speed in cruise. It is not something I would do to any Cardinal. I believe the cost is $10-12k for the upgrade. Hope that helps