Low ownership cost airplane good for many things | Custom upgraded Cessna 177 review

In this video we discuss details of the multiple uses of this Cessna 177. This is a great example of custom upgrades to an airplane to bring quality, comfort and performance like a newer airplane.
This airplane is for sale. If you are interested please contact the company directly.
Link: www.aerolifeav...
Original 177 was designed to replace the Cessna 172. Cessna changed the idea because 172 was so popular. Also, the original 177 was somewhat underpowered. A few upgrades in this airplane can make a significant difference and make a very good airplane for many things.

[@aviationphd]

My time in 177s goes back to the early 80s and have always loved them. They are great all around airplanes. Probably the easiest airplane to get into and out of.

[@aerolife1646]

They definitely are one of the easiest entry planes I’ve ever found. You’re lucky to have been able to fly one. Thanks for watching & your comment.

[@thecanadianavee8r660]

Those cadillac doors sure do make the mooney pilots jealous. Until they fly by like were standing still that is

[@bernardanderson3758]

Great to see you again in this beautiful 177 And I’m blessed to be flying in one

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, they are a great plane to fly. Once you’ve flown one you definitely want to keep flying them. Appreciate the comment.

[@fabiofonseca2001]

I'm so glad to see you again, greetings from Brazil

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for continuing to watch our videos in Brazil. Appreciate the comments too.

[@fabiofonseca2001]

@@aerolife1646 your explanation is the best, and your voice clear help so much to understand. Tks

[@sman5877]

i used to fly the cardinals. in 1976/78. my old cessna fbo bought a new 1976 cardinal for $36,000. it had the long range tanks. we would take out the front passenger seat and rear seat and transport bodies for funeral homes.

[@cookiedough5374]

Bringing back memories of my 1974 177RG! Thank you.

[@pchansen100]

That’s going to make someone a very happy owner! Well done. I love the paint and interior. 👍

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, we spent a lot of time designing the paint and interior, glad you like them. They really change how a plane looks when done right. Appreciate you watching and the comment.

[@Steve757-fl1hd]

Man, I loved the Cessna Cardinal C-177 FG. I actually rented a C-177 RG for several years. Use to fly from SIU in Carbondale, Illinois up to Dupage County Airport to see family.

[@aerolife1646]

Both the fixed gear and retractable gear Cardinals are great planes to fly. You are lucky to have had a chance to rent one. Thanks for commenting and watching our video.

[@guillermoolivera7086]

I did my IFR training course in a Cardinal and my commercial checkride. Great memories, nice airplane !

[@aerolife1646]

They are great airplanes, you were lucky to be able to do some advanced training in the Cardinal. They’re great for that with their easy, smooth handling characteristics. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@keitha.9788]

I had a 1973 Cardinal (177B) for about 25 years. It was a great airplane ....

[@aerolife1646]

The B models are also great planes. You were lucky to be able to own one. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Cousin.]

Another excellent video Megan. Thanks guys!

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, appreciate you continuing to watch and comment on our videos.

[@michaelb.8953]

That tail number keeps reading to me as "too old", but what a beautiful plane as I open up a tab for trade a plane taking a look at the 177 as a possibility.

[@aerolife1646]

The 177 is a great option for many different purposes. We have this plane for sale, if you’re interested the link is in the description. Some tail numbers are definitely interesting. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Firefox131]

I still believe Cessna made a mistake. They should have ended the 172 line and kept the 177. Much easier and stable aircraft all the way around.

[@aerolife1646]

They definitely are a more stable plane and should have been continued. I think the combination of the initial lower powered engine and lack of slots in the stabilator (which made landing harder) made for some ‘bad press’ and Cessna either couldn’t or wouldn’t try to overcome that which resulted in them dropping the Cardinal from production. Although I think the 172 will always be seen as a good primary trainer. Thanks for commenting and watching our video.

[@cessna177flyer3]

The Cardinal has a lot of hand-made parts (like the doors) which made it more expensive to produce than its competitors. Then, rising labor costs in the 60s and 70s put further pressure on products like the Cardinal, leaving Cessna no choice but to discontinue it. But I agree, it is a superior airplane compared to the C-172 in almost every way.

[@thecanadianavee8r660]

I'm a cardinal owner and will die on the hill that the cardinal is a far better aircraft but i'm also an aircraft mechanic. I've seen multiple companies over the years upgrade to cardinals for various tasks such as training and pipeline patrol and at the end of the day the 172 is a simpler, more robust aircraft. Between the fixed stabilizer, corrugated control surfaces, strut braced wing, and much more robust nose gear and forward fuselage, the 172 can take heavier beatings from heavy low level turbulence during pipeline operations, and hard landings and overstress from students honing their skills. I work on flight school 172s with over 25000hrs that are as good as new. The cardinal is a better plane but the 172 will always have its place as the rugged, reliable beater.

[@Steve757-fl1hd]

I agree. THe 177 was far superior to the 172. IT was very comfortable and smooth to fly. Not having struts meant great sight seeing. Going up to DuPage County Airport meant I cruised at 10500.

[@iPilotFlorida]

So want to have this one....Thank you for showing....:O

[@aerolife1646]

You are welcome, thank you for taking time to watch and comment.

[@MargaretLeber]

Cardinals rock.We don't allow primary training in ours, though. I think claiming 800+ miles range is an exaggeration. Practically it's much less.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching and the comment. 825 miles is the range listed in the pilots operating handbook of this plane. You may be referring to the 177B model, but this particular plane having more power, lower fuel burn and the digital engine monitor to precisely monitor fuel flow can go long distance. It just flew 500 miles with plenty of fuel left. I’ve flown from Northern Indiana to Central Florida. I agree that flight schools don’t use them as primary trainers, for different reasons including being more expensive than the same year range 172 and not as common as 172 or Piper Cherokee and most Cardinals are the B model with a constant speed prop which is not the best for initial training. This particular Cardinal is similar to a 172 but handles better with a roomier and comfortable cabin. If you watch my RV12 video, that is a very good plane to use as a primary trainer. When I was training a while back, my instructor told me the Cardinal was his new favorite plane because of how it handles.

[@MargaretLeber]

@@aerolife1646 Oh, I suspect the reason for the primary training prohibition is to spare the airplane; we're a joint-ownership flying club. Yes, ours is a -B: thus constant speed prop and 180hp engine. Yours is quite pretty, love the paint. A re-engined -A must be interesting.

[@terrancestodolka4829]

My Kidneys don't reach that distance...

[@nojabformeeducateyourself3393]

Another beautiful bird. Nice to see you again Megan.

[@Michael-iw3ek]

Wow what a cool little bird.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you, appreciate you watching and the comment.

[@wescrackatinny]

I can only dream of owning an aircraft however, if I was lucky enough, it would be a cardinal. Thank you for a great review

[@jdwilk5023]

First buy a cheap 150 and then upgrade over time.

[@boogerwood]

Hey! You're back! Stumbled on your channel when I was researching Cardinals. Ultimately didn't buy one. Too forward of a CG for 2 big guys trying to fly. But definitely a plane I wish I could! 210 maybe?

[@aerolife1646]

If the CG is too far forward in a plane (even 182 and 210 can have this), it can be solved simply by using baggage or ballast in the back of the baggage area to balance out. Since the baggage compartment has a longer arm it doesn’t need to be a lot of weight to balance out the CG. Thanks for watching our videos and commenting.

[@fridge7515]

Dream plane right there! Hoping y’all have another like it one day when we’re ready to buy. Cardinal looks so roomy compared to the 172

[@aerolife1646]

They are the most roomy in this category. We get a limited number of aircraft to maintain the high quality. If we have something you like in the future when you're ready please feel free to contact us, we enjoy helping people find the right plane for them. Thank you for watching.

[@fridge7515]

@@aerolife1646 1000% , I’m newerish ppl. Your videos have been super informative and all your pros on the Cardinal size, fuel burn, etc I think would fit our family flying. Will definitely be looking when it’s time to buy and hopefully get some transition training also. So far I’ve only had 172 and Cherokee 235 experience and the whole one door thing freaks me out

[@cessna177flyer3]

@@fridge7515 Having two doors is not only safer, but MUCH more convenient.

[@fridge7515]

@@cessna177flyer3 amen to that! I ain’t no thunderbird lol. Ease, comfort and safety in all about. Love your videos by the way, one day I will own a Cardinal.

[@kCI251]

"Pride of ownership" is a huge expense. I don't care what anyone else thinks of what my airplane looks like.

[@pablosuarez4592]

OUTSTANDING ❤

[@davidgarcia2491]

That is one beautiful aircraft. Wow...

[@tnmonty501]

Beautiful aircraft

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment and watching our video.

[@prestonmiller9552]

I have flown the Cardinal many times and many bash it because they had trouble landing it. But it takes a bit more finesse and once you master that it is as easy to fly as any 172. Performances is a bit better than the 172.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment. Different planes need different landing techniques and training. If learned correctly in any plane, you can fly and land them very nicely. That’s why we offer transition training, so people can learn correctly. My daughter is a student pilot and I’ve trained her in a Cardinal. She never once had to go around and lands better than many pilots. Many people try to land the Cardinal like other Cessnas such as the 172. That is completely incorrect since this plane has a large, stabilator as opposed to the small elevator most other planes have.

[@mrwest5552]

very nice review, Thank You.

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for watching and the comment.

[@gendaminoru3195]

BIRD, but now that I'mover being stunned, please put a white stripe on the propeller tips - just in case ramp people are nearby when running. Understand the wing is the same same laminar flow wing as the C-210 which has a nice strong carry through spar, but with wider cabin.. I know people IO-360 in 177RGs having C/S props, and even one friend has an IO-390 in his. Cruises at 180 kts in that TN bird. 177 may be the best thing Cessna ever built save the 441. Lot's of options to do upgrades on this platform. But I think I saw you doing other C-177 videos, so you know all this already eh? Best thing about the G-5 is that it is an AHRS system. Nice colors on your outfit for the vid. :)

[@anthonycyr9657]

The cardinal is so dam gorgeous.

[@FlyingNDriving]

I like the paint but i think the black looks out of place. N-number in Red with gold border would be nicer imo. That interior is very classy and tasteful tho, well done

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you for the comment. The reason we used black accents is to keep the red from becoming too bright red. It also gives a sharp contrast. We’ll give some thought to this though and maybe try a more charcoal dark gray color next time to see how it looks in the design.

[@skyepilotte11]

This is one gorgeous Cardinal...thx

[@aerolife1646]

Thank you very much for the comment and watching our video.

[@ohwell2790]

The important thing is. Has the center section spar inspection been done.

[@aerolife1646]

Very true, the spar inspection is important in Cardinals. This plane has had that inspection done and passed with flying colors! Thanks for the comment and for watching our video.

[@williamkennedy2069]

I love the video, love the plane too. You said something about the cylinders gave you an additional 10 horsepower, what specifically is it that gives you the 10 extra horsepower, what should I say how does it give it to you?

[@aerolife1646]

It is a RAM STC - I’d have to look at the STC for specifics but it can be done by increasing the displacement or changing the compression ratio. An O360 and IO360 have the same displacement but produce different horsepower. Thank you for watching and the comment.

[@williamkennedy2069]

@@aerolife1646 80 compression does make more sense, the io 360s injected, and thus more horsepower, maybe the ram STC gives it more compression

[@rickunruh8132]

The 177 looks better than a 172 no matter what the paint job is.

[@aerolife1646]

The 177s are beautiful planes without the strut there. Thanks for the comment & watching.

[@tudaituda]

Great Bird!

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks, they are great planes to start with, and the upgrades have made it even better. Appreciate the comment and you watching the our video.

[@anthonycyr9657]

Would be perfect with the io390 LYC.

[@nonDescriptAviation]

Any info on useful load with this bird's STC?

[@aerolife1646]

Usefull load if this plane is 900 lbs. It is actually higher than the 1975 177B model we sold recently.

[@matiasmerono]

The beauty of the cardinal is not in question, is the only highwing piston to me. But dón't use yourself as a reference in interior matters, because I try to find you in the German Olimpic Handball Team and I couldn't find you. 🤨

[@aerolife1646]

I definitely agree, they are beautiful planes. These planes are designed in USA to accommodate the height of average US people. As an example, the Mooney has a smaller cabin than the Cardinal; a couple weeks ago a gentleman well over 6ft sat down and fit nicely even in that plane. This plane will definitely fit. The seats can move forward and aft quite a bit and the left seat can also lift up and down. The Cessna 177 has a similar space to a Cessna 210. If someone can’t fit well in this plane they won’t fit well in other planes either. The only thing is that four large people would exceed the payload and rear seat leg room in many single pistons. I do like the way you put the question though and thank you for watching.

[@luckythirteen77]

would something like this be bush capable with appropriate tires no pants?

[@aerolife1646]

It can definitely be used on grass strips. I just don’t know of anyone using a Cardinal as a bush plane. Thanks for watching

[@SaisWorld-USA]

Kindly suggest the painting company and contact numbers pls 🙏🙏🙏

[@bernardanderson3758]

The Powerflow exhaust system makes a lot more horsepower

[@aerolife1646]

In their website, for the 177 upgrade, Powerflow mentions that the upgrade is equal to 10-15 horsepower. It doesn’t actually add HP to the engine since it’s an exhaust system. It gives increased performance similar to what increased HP would. Thanks for continuing to watch our videos.

[@jmax8692]

Omg I’m definitely interested

[@alancohen5688]

I'm not getting any sound on this video

[@ConvairDart106]

Wait a minute. You upgraded it to 160hp? Sorry, I will stick with the Archer in that case.

[@aeromatt]

Great deal compared to a clapped out 172.

[@aerolife1646]

Thanks for watching and the comment. It is definitely a good alternative to a 172 for a lot of people.

[@cmtetaboaco]

Why people don’t like the C177?

[@aerolife1646]

Many people own them, fly them and love them. Cardinal has its own association as well because of its popularity. You can find people who dislike any airplane for their own, various reasons.

[@alancohen5688]

I've got sound on other videos but not this one.

[@aerolife1646]

The video was still processing. I just checked and the sound is working fine now. Please check it again. Thanks

[@alancohen5688]

I had to close it and reopen it after the audio was processed and it played just fine. I enjoyed the content. Thank you.

[@alancohen5688]

Beautiful bird too!

[@aerolife1646]

@@alancohen5688 thank your for the update

[@navinstrument8353]

That is so roomy

[@aerolife1646]

The Cardinals are one of the widest cabins in the piston singles. Thanks for the comment and watching our video.

[@project.jericho]

It's meh. That paint is awful, but most don't really care so it likely won't be an issue.