Cessna Cardinal 177

We meet Karl and learn about his Cessna Cardinal 177 RG and then take it up in the air for a flight!
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[@ZZstaff]

I have always loved the looks of the Cardinal 177.

[@danblumel]

Much more clean aerodynamically.

[@danmallery9142]

It really is a shame they didn't become more successful. They were such an improvement in performance over the 172. Here you have an almost 50 year old plane with better performance than a new Cessna.

[@GaryMCurran]

Dan, you can't really make that comparison. Cessna doesn't have a four seat retractable airplane. That's like saying the 50 some year old 210 was better than the current Stationaire. Of course the 210 is going to be faster and better performance. Now, I can't find a price on a new Skylane, but based on what's on Controller.com, let's say $550K, maxed out. A Skyhawk, let's say is $100K less, or $450K Now, let's say a new Piper Archer LX is about the same cost as a Skylane, $450K The newest Arrow I can find for sale is a 2013, and they want $300K for a seven year old airplane with 2,400 hours on it. So, using those numbers, I'm going to guess that a new Cardinal is probably going to run about $525K, outfitted the same way as the Skyhawk and Skylane. I'm not sure that there is enough demand at that price point to bring back the model, as much as I would like to see it. Actually, what I would like to see from Cessna is the NGX-II airframe. The NGX, or Next Generation X airplane never came to light, but I think a new generation airframe that builds upon the Cessna legacy would be nice. Six passenger, FADEC engine, retractable, strutless wing, stabilator like the Cardinal, wider than the current designs, more like a Malibu/Mirage/Matrix or the old Commander 112/114 series. Obviously, glass cockpit, and under $1M. Still, even that does not meet the need for a new complex single trainer, and maybe you'd need to have a NGX-II and a NGX-T for trainer. Basically bring the Cardinal back as a trainer, IO-390 like Karl has, glass cockpit, and really, that's about it. A variant would be what I described in another post, the IO-390, TATurbo's turbonormalizing system, G1000NXi, leather interior, etc. A personal 'go places' airplane.

[@daszieher]

Weren't the 177 airframes slightly cheaper to build? With tooling that old and written off, one should be able to bring the price down. However, the main problem is the small size of the global flying community. Either way, you can't sell enough small planes to make any new production technique be worth its while.

[@vconnor]

daszieher Actually the 177 was a clean sheet design. It was actually more expensive to build than the 172. Due to the initial stabilizer issue and underpowered engine, the first two years of sales was way under the 172. So they dropped the 177 in 1978 and continue to build the 172.

[@daszieher]

@@vconnor I know about the clean sheet design, I had just assumed that that would have incorporated a more efficient build. Early 177 were underpowered and the cantilever wing did not inspire confidence in very, very conservative Cessna customers. Sad that the 177RG did not do better. Although I've never seen one in person, I believe it is the better plane. Then again, only the 172, with the careful balance between performance and simplicity (aka reliability) is the "real Volkswagen" of the skies.

[@vconnor]

daszieher Totally agree. I have a 177B FG with 180 hp and love it. It flies great, very comfortable. I trained in 172 and the 177 is soooo much more comfortable. I think Cessna made mistake not moving forward with 177. It’s a great plane!

[@droge192]

One of the nicest 177 RGs I've seen. Lovely planes; absolutely no comparison to a 172! Such a shame Cessna never progressed this plane.

[@nicholasjaramillo9561]

I love that airplane!! The owner is such a nice guy!!

[@Caseydid]

Wow, your story is so close to mine. I began flying in 1962. I was single and had no expenses so I took my money and began taking lessons in the Piper Colt. Then college and marriage got in the way and I didn't get my ticket until July of 1973. I joined a flying club that used Cardinals and then came babies and life got in the way. In 1981 I started taking lessons for my instruments rating. I finished that rating in 1982 and haven't flown since. It has been 40 years and I am dying to get current. That will take money and lots of it.

[@CardinalCaptain]

Good one! Come see my Cardinal when you come back to town, I’m one hangar row behind Karl 👍🏻

[@FlyingDoodles]

Will do! Thanks

[@donmincoff8460]

Aside from the 310, best looking aircraft Cessna has ever produced. Got checked out in one years ago. Thanks.

[@justdewit]

This guy's panel is really nice!

[@NotTelling51]

Many yrs ago I almost bought a Cardinal RG. Now 20 yrs later I'm thinking about it again. Easy to get in and out of and fast on not much fuel. This RG is one of the nicest I've ever seen. Neat plane.

[@Rowrowthegravyboat]

Hey 177KM you may never see this post but I got to do my first discovery flight out of QHZ on Thursday. It was an incredible journey, maybe I’ll get to see you in the skies.

[@223Carbine]

I’ve got some time in those 177RGs. That one is a real beauty. Congratulations

[@donaldreach760]

Great visibility and a smooth ride. I flew one from Pontiac PTK, MI, to Long Island, NY, for the Bicentennial of 1976. Dodged some weather, got rained on, but arrived fresh and rested. Two of us with long legs appreciated the room.

[@andrewashmore8000]

Cool plane , a absolute gentleman the owner and pilot, great video presenting, sounds like a real nice aircraft finished to a real high standard a credit to the owner.

[@johnroessler2932]

Glad to see Flying Doodles back!! 👍Really Enjoyed the sailing season!

[@corvairchris82]

Thanks Bobby and Karl, That's one Beautiful Cardinal Karl has. I spent a lot of time shooting touch and goes at Mesquite in the 80's when I was working on my PPL.

[@ddthompson42]

My FG Cardinal does 128-130 at 9.8 GPH and is SUPER hard to stall. Excellent plane, and they consistently get better-than-book numbers! Coincidentally, the Cardinal that won the best in show rating after this plane lives on my field. Cardinals dress up VERY nicely! And he's absolutely right about CFO: very helpful and passionate owner community. If you're looking for an economical four-seater and (like me) you don't want to/don't have the back to climb over a wing: Cardinal is your bird.

[@MrWingtip]

The 177RG is the sweet spot of single engine Cessna. Want one!

[@prestonmiller9552]

I used to do some flying in the 68 Cardinal and I did experience a couple of those crow hops before I got the feel for the landing. But what a great airplane it is. Even the early models in spite of their faults, had some nice speed and the visibility is fantastic. Not a plane for a real tall person perhaps but I am 6feet and could get in and out easily once you learn to duck your head. Karl did a beautiful job all around. Thanks for sharing.

[@Dinoxt12]

Spot on 177 for sure, liking the paint job & interior, well done...Good Video.

[@kymbiddell7467]

Had the pleasure of flying one for about 3 years, lots of room, stable and great visibility, thanks for sharing

[@davidlourensz4822]

Enjoyed that. Karl's a nice guy to fly with. Thanks.

[@edgrigsby8610]

Beautiful plane. Love the colors.

[@clyderokke5409]

Some of the best flying hours I had were in the original Cardinal. It was great doing commercial maneuvers in, especially spins. I never experienced the difficulties others had with the 1968 model but then I was putting in time for my instrument rating. Love your Cardinal, I'm tempted to look around for one. Thanks.

[@scottmoseley5122]

Great plane. great video..Sunset colors were amazing!

[@theprudentpilot788]

That is a beautiful plane!

[@rgood66]

My last plane was a cessna 310R sold in 1995 and a T210 before that. I am impressed with todays avionics and landing gear alarm wow. I was still doing NDB approaches or VOR DME to my local airport in the mid 90s. I will be looking for a 177RG and to update my training and knowledge about modern avionics. Great video

[@alanreese444]

I was working for Cessna East Coast Zone office @KMMU when the Cardinal was introduced. Got to fly brand new ones often! Always enjoyed them.

[@facebook2k7]

Beautiful improvement from the 172. Really sporty looking. Nice call numbers too. Well done. I've never seen an RG version.

[@Artoconnell]

One fine looking flying machine. Major crush on it.

[@kingstonwhite685]

I love your videos, keep it up and thanks alot!!✈🛫🛬

[@pcordellyb]

Thanks for the Ride!

[@ccacrislan]

thanks, I love the cardinal...

[@motionsic]

What a beautiful plane!

[@jbrown3547]

Ive really enjoyed the videos Bobby. Its been a nice "fix" while im waiting to head back to work. Really love the 177 as well!

[@dirkdahmen7439]

Great to see the Sailing Doodle goggles in Flying Doodles! If my company ever returns to Dallas post COVID I’d love to hook you up for a tour of an A380! Keep safe Bobby. Cheers.

[@goodtalker]

I love when this owner says he couldn't afford flying for 35 years. LOL LOL LOL LOL I can relate. In 1983 I got my PPL, applied to the Navy, and a former dingbat girlfriend saw the movie "Officer and a Gentleman." I ended up with a now 37 year old daughter....and just now getting back into flying myself...at nearly 59 years of age. Good story. Thanks for reading.

[@muldrowe]

My instructor always made fun of me for saying thanks after all my radio traffic, I see you do the same thing lol it's just so natural to thank someone who's helping you out!

[@yellowlabdavis7170]

Love the colors!!!

[@hallhall5777]

I learned to fly in a 1969 Cardinal fixed gear. That big stabilater tail is what I became comfortable with. On the occasions that I would fly my friends 172, the tail seemed so mushy on landing that it was almost scary. I guess its all what you get used to. I sold the plane (N30308) in North Carolina; and last I knew, it was out in Phoenix. So if you by chance own this green & white beauty - Happy Flying.

[@429thunderjet2]

Good video Bobby and nice bird Karl. My Pa had one of the first 68's brand new, Red and white. Pretty airplane too. Dad said the first ones were kinda underpowered as well. Dad had the FBO at our little local airport and he was a Cessna dealer at that time. I remember when they did the stabilator mod on it and he and his mechanic were kinda snarky about the mod, but he was proficient in many types so I guess it didn't bother him much. Have always liked the Cardinals.

[@alanhirayama4592]

Felts Field Aviation in Spokane, WA had a 177 for rental and I trained in it for a hew hours. It was a nice airplane!

[@spinf0rk]

Very nice looking Cardinal RG. I have a 1977, but the paint job is original. Watching this makes me promise to follow through on repainting mine in the next year! I don't think I will manage to follow through on an IO-390 upgrade, though.

[@dominickatx478]

I fly one of these for work... great airplane!

[@dsSpitfiremk4]

You have a good job!

[@mrbob92679]

Beautiful plane. Thanks for sharing. Would love to own one of these.

[@kebotrans]

Such a beautiful airplane

[@johnypitman2368]

Very nice looking Cardinal

[@kduhamel]

Very cool plane!!

[@KeithTingle]

best looking cessna

[@AustinHammy32]

Lol the way this guy handles the radios are hilarious. I love it.

[@Corkyrooster]

Very sleek airplane. Like it

[@TheJonesbouy]

My favorite plane to fly !

[@jmedaugh]

Kinda like this trend of glass cockpits (and bigger engines) in classic airframes. I always liked Cardinals back in the day. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@waukeshapilot6462]

I've always liked the 177.......so much better than the 172. Thanks Bobby.

[@gynxor]

What a beautify Cessna. Thanks for the video

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

As far as I’m concerned. You can make this the 150/152/177 channel. 😀. Another great one Bobby.

[@PilotUriel]

Cool plane, cool hangar, and cool pilots 😎😎

[@vladimator1842]

Awesome plane for real!!

[@getuliobr1213]

Cardinal RG, é o máximo. Linda aeronave. SBSL.

[@iruralguy39]

Flew my 1974 Cardinal RG from the factory without radios because ARC radios sucked at that time. Flew my instructor to Wichita and by the time we got home to Oregon I was qualified to fly the RG solo. Airplane is still in the family and my son is flying it now. We are now undertaking a panel upgrade. Factor in purchase was fuel efficiency since in 1974 there was an energy grisis. Have about 2500 hours in the airplane and would buy another one if needed. Airplane is unique in many ways so that explains the cult following. . n

[@edwardr5084]

Fun aircraft...nice looking

[@camoisthestuff51]

I want a Cardinal so bad haha. I'm not even a pilot. This is a beautiful aircraft!

[@neilmekolichick6582]

Very nice plane inside and out

[@alejandrosienra2179]

Excellent moi!💪💫✈️🌠

[@cupwithhandles]

one of the most beautiful contours of any contemporary civil aircraft.

[@timm1583]

Nice looking plane 👍

[@tdgdbs1]

9 Gal/hr at 140kt; that's really good for the old gal.

[@marcusrussell8660]

Great airplane, thank you.

[@cbarnes9808]

Yesterday (6-26-23) a Cessna 177 Cardinal went down in Lake Hamilton that I live on in Hot Springs, AR. It was flown by 49yo Daniel Dale Jones and his daughter 23yo Denise Jones who was a passenger, they were from Kentucky. At 8:05 a.m. "a blanket call" was made to the flight tower. We have a small airport that runs by the lake. They made a call saying they was going to land there and they had people already waiting for them on the tarmac. They called 911 when no plane had landed but they had already received a call from a homeowner who said the plane crashed in the water outside their home. The homeowners would say that hear planes fly over all the time living between the lake and the airport but this plane made no sound. All they seen was the splash in the water. By the time they got downstairs and out the back to the lakefront 80% of the plane was underwater. They seen the young girl pop up out of the water and she floated onto her back because she knew she was badly injured. They got her moved over to the seawall and got her onto their big blue mat they have in the water to lay out on. Every responding city officer, sheriff's department, EMTs, 2 fire departments, state police, lake police patrol, & divers were all there quickly. They took her to hospital which would've been a 3 minute ride at the most but she soon was airlifted to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The homeowner swam out to look for the pilot but knew he couldn't swim down that far in the dark waters. The divers recovered the pilot Mr. Jones, sadly unresponsive. He would be confirmed deceased by the sheriff's department. The FAA is already looking into the planes last location and the reason for the distress call. If you want to look at the news article you can find it when you search The Sentinel Record Hot Springs, AR in Google. This came out on front page 6-27-23. I'm truly sorry if you knew Mr. Jones & daughter Ms. Jones. My condolences and deepest sympathy go to Mr. Jones' family and friends and I hope Ms. Jones is going to be okay. I'm sorry to put this on here but you said that most of the owners of these planes are like in a plane club and you should know what happened. This video is 3 yrs old so much has probably changed since then but here it is anyways. Someone should know that this cities hearts are broken for this family.

[@TimHPop776]

Super nice plane. 👌

[@georgehamilton6063]

Very nice plane, suggestion initial call tell ATC where you are and what you want save about 50% talk, keep at it

[@VadiemPetrov]

1080p 60 fps is a fine quality! Thank you!

[@shortribslongbow5312]

Beautiful acft, thanks for the flight.

[@SchmoopsAdventures]

Great plane! I like it. It may need a ground strap for all that static discharge lol

[@christopherwilson6527]

Love the Cardinal so much. Its everything the 172 is missing, which isnt a whole lot

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

I also got my a IFR in a fixed gear 177 a 1968 model I loved that airplane

[@guitarTennisCarHomeFixFlying]

Visibility was awesome after flying C150

[@FancyHat404]

Can we start a petition to bring these beauties back? Everything about this plane is gorgeous. is it bad that I don't even have my ppl yet, and I already want one of these?

[@hogey74]

I was born the year after you started flying! Love your attitude.

[@Smalltownflyer]

Awesome video!! Big fan of the Cardinals. I have been messing around with recording my flights for fun and was curious how you affix the GoPro overhead like that ? I have tried the sticky mounts but they don't seem sticky enough to hold on the plastic surfaces. Thanks for any tips in advance!!

[@bobhamilton298]

Would love to see a video with a Navion. First built by North American, it was often called a 4 place P51. Looked similar, but with retractable tricycle gear. Flew with my dad. We got it over 200 MPH in a slight dive. Was cool to be like 14 years old and be that fast, long before I ever flew on a commercial flight. Was an easy plane to fly. Would make an interesting video!

[@iflycessnas4707]

I remember when I was in South Africa, at Krugersdorp Airport (FAKR). Based there, was a demo team with 2 or 3 Navions. Looked similar to the Piaggio P.149 to me. But this demo would just do a demo every other day, which was an amazing sight. South Africa truly is an Aviators paradise.

[@bobhamilton298]

@@iflycessnas4707 Never heard of the P.149 but wow, they look very much alike. We were part of a military flying club and we had access to a couple of Navions. The one we flew had a 260 HP engine although it most likely did not come with it originally. All military surplus. We had a couple of Cessna Bird Dogs as well.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

Unfortunately, my training for my PPL was stalled last year due to COVID, but I'm going to pick it up shortly. I was flying the Diamond DA-20. What's annoying about low wing planes is that you can't see below you. So when I was training and was told to rotate around a fixed point, it was hard to see that point! What's nice about the Cardinal is that you can see below and because the wing is swept back, you can see above you as well! I'm already saving up and would love to buy one of them next year. Probably the fixed gear, however, because the RG is pretty expensive to maintain and I still have kids in school!

[@bradmottishaw467]

I am always entertained by how private pilots really become experts on the type of aircraft they fly. You see the same thing with Sailing Vessel owners.

[@earpyde5825]

Brill vid!

[@egreens8512]

Nice plane good job see you in Oshkosh

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Super nice interior, good panel, didn't see what autopilot he had. Probably one of the nicest 177's flying.

[@jackriley5974]

The Cadillac of Cessna's!!

[@hpijeep]

I’ve always liked these planes, I had no idea they were near as fast as the numbers he’s saying his is.

[@timalexander9008]

Don't believe he gets those speeds....

[@karlthomas5740]

@@timalexander9008 Oh it does & several friends with -390 report same results. The Aspen TAS doesn't lie. I've even seen 158 kts when running balls to the wall.

[@CardinalCaptain]

Tim Alexander He does. I’ve flown it!

[@hpijeep]

Those are excellent speeds! I fly a 200hp Mooney and don’t see air speeds like that.

[@gendaminoru3195]

not only does it respond to more power well, but the turbo normalized RG does 170 - 180 kts true

[@jackt6112]

When I was learning to fly there was a Cardinal fixed gear that belonged to a private owner there. I thought it looked pretty cool with no struts and long windscreen. They had the same engine as my 172. The flight school called it the "Strutless Wonder" and a play on words for gutless. They didn't handle well, didn't climb well, and the wing built up drag real fast at low speeds, all of which were a poor combination, its useful load is substantially less than the Skyhawk, and could only make 105 mph. They say if you buy one, you need to get at least the 177B with O-360 instead of the O-320 and the better wing like the Skyhawk's.

[@donaldholman9070]

Great plane. I like the sleek look. Thank you

[@jamesm.2802]

Love the plane, love the video...but that static electricity effect made me think something was wrong with my speakers!

[@vumeopower88]

Bobby does it all ( land, air, and sea ) what a guy...

[@FlyingDoodles]

Haha thanks. Seriously... driving Doodles will start airing in a week

[@vumeopower88]

@@FlyingDoodles Yes, maybe you and Taylor get an RV making video soon so we'll enjoyed it.

[@mrsnapper1]

Nice video Karl. We are almost ready to fly 2090Q. Painting

[@karlthomas5740]

Mike - looking forward to seeing 90Q back in the air !

[@gjswilson]

man what a sweet airplane! how about the rockwell commander next

[@gendaminoru3195]

there's actually a but more shoulder room in this airplane than the Commander, which was its big selling point

[@bjs2022]

Good, and one of the few planes with good headset sound compatibility for recording and no breath-popping or plosives, much better than Bose.

[@FlyingDoodles]

Yeah you no idea how hard it is to edit that out sometimes!

[@flyingaardvarks1133]

@@FlyingDoodles Right? People take it for granted, and you are there editing sound lines like "&%#@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" -LOL

[@larryrobinson8427]

I’m curious about what aircraft you flew in your corporate gig prior to doing the saying doodles? You display that pilot mindset to your sailing doodles as well as to your videos here. Very nice intro to the Cessna Cardinal!

[@georgemartin4963]

Cessna's best looking airplane.

[@joethetrucker6834]

Gotta get the wing-spar inspected. There was a fatal accident in Australia where a Cesena 210 (without wing struts) had a wing separate due to wing-spar failure. I understand they aren't regularly inspected as it requires getting under the headliner.

[@cyclomaniac9086]

I love those Cardinal RGs... I always wanted to fly one.

[@jeffkopher3468]

The owner, John Goodman in witness protection.

[@camerongoodwin2020]

LOL. Thats the first thing I thought of also that he looked like John Goodman!

[@karlthomas5740]

Darn, found me out !

[@TRPGpilot]

@patriot views missing liverpool and narrowboating Not sure that anyone cares what you prefer?

[@bartgoins1782]

@@karlthomas5740, this video made me head over to Barnstormers. I can see why you won Best of Show, TWICE.

[@bodenwhitmore7699]

I’ve always loved the 177RG, I just got my private license and one day I want to go up in one

[@cessna177flyer3]

Do it. Once you fly one, you won’t look back (I didn’t).

[@CCitis]

This is a great series. I love it. Talking with the pilots, and then flying in random GA airplanes. Its very interesting.