10 Reasons Why You need a Cessna Cardinal (Part 1)

Guardian Avionics makes the flush mounted iPad mini mount:

Also, special thanks to Keith Peterson at the CFO

[jeffgebhart]

Of all of the light single-engine planes that I've flown, the Cessna Cardinal RG was my favorite. The biggest concern that I would have in purchasing one is the wing spar corrosion issue. But with their nice flying characteristics and outstanding visibility, they remain the best looking single that Cessna ever built.

[ohwell]

Did fly the 177 180 hp constant speed prop, a first for me, fixed gear on lease back and it was my favorite plane to fly. Took it from Santa Monica CA to Pismo Beach CA to tent camp with my girl friend many times. That was back in 1977 a fun plane to fly. And the all flying horizontal elevator is so powerful a flare in landing was a done deal. Many flights in this model airplane and the big doors and the only Cessna you sat in front of the wing and no strut.

[tropicthndr]

These airplanes can do everything a 210 can do with a "IO-390" upgrade at half the cost, same cruise speed burnin a lot less gas. Love these self contained avionics packages, they dont have 150 extra lbs of stupid boxes like the G1000 nonsense that no one realizes comes packed in the tail to run those giant flat panel displays. You can do an interior upgrade on this plane and still have a plane thats much nicer and half the cost of a much newer thingy. Those big doors make it really easy to get foldup bikes in the back seat too, I can get two side by side back there much easier than a 172/182/210. This airplane has so much potential to be much better and faster than it originally was people just have no idea.

[netwright]

I like the landing gear clip at the end of the video. The hanger amplifies the sound.

[TheJonesbouy]

I never could figure out why I liked flying a Cardinal so much. I just love that aircraft.

[Joe-uowv]

I've had my 73 rg for 2 years and I love it more than the 182rg I use to fly. Great plane.

[ctn]

OMG I love that panel mount for Ipad mini!!!

[bonitosimples]

The beautiest plane Cesnna created! up to date, clean design, I love it!

[alcocklake]

I flew a 177B fixed gear doing pipeline patrol for about 1000 hrs.... most fun I've ever had in a recip airplane...patrol was done at 250 ft or so and 130 kts...every turn was a wingover :) It had lots of flap and easily made it in and out of the dirt strips the oil companies or company provided... range was awesome as well... I'd LUV to own one..even more fun to fly than a 210

[cujet]

Nice review. I've owned my 177RG for 12 years now. It's never let me down. Thanks for the heads up on the ipad mount.

[paulmartos]

Never got a fly an RG but did fly one with 180 HP and a constant-speed prop. It was my introduction to a "complex" aircraft. It was a delight.

[ichhasseamerika]

One more bit of elegance from a biologists perspective: looking at those rear wheels retract, it actually looks like the way a bird retracts their legs when they're flying. Elegant design, follows biology.

[flywithali.r]

Always enjoy seeing fellow Cardinal pilots on adventures! Keep them coming.

[cardinalflyer]

Nice job capturing the Cardinal with your excellent photography, James. You have a very nice Cardinal!

[garygrant]

I owned a 1976 C177RG1020 for nine years and think that it was an excellent airplane. I could fly from KWHP to KDCA in three fuel stops. The only recurring problem that I observed in the RG was leakage around the fuel filler O rings.

[DaveAnguslyfe]

I fly a Fixed Gear cardinal and absolutely love it! Great video highlighting the key features!

[chriscook]

I loved my 74 RG. Flew real nice and gave me few problems. Not as fast as I expected, but just fine given the cost. I recommend the plan to anybody looking for an inexpensive complex plane.

[mcesarey]

Very interesting plane that I didn't know much about....very weird landing gear action

[ADAPTATION]

I think it's an absolutely a beautiful plane. Never flown one but would love too. Kinda reminds me of a miniature version of the Caravan. I believe most of the bad rap came from the takeoff and landing because it had a tendency to tail stall.

[u.s.patriot]

Oh, that's one beautiful 177 Cessna Cardinal featured in this video, and the notch! Hoping more videos like this. If so, will for sure subscribe. Thanks and Happy/Safe Flying!