Cessna 177 Cardinal

Single Piston· 798 globally registered

The Cessna 177 Cardinal, produced from 1968 to 1978, was Cessna's ambitious attempt to modernize the single-engine four-seat market with a cantilever wing design that eliminated the wing struts found on the ubiquitous 172. The Cardinal featured a lower wing position for better visibility, a more spacious cabin with easier entry through its single-piece sliding canopy doors, and sleeker lines that promised both aesthetic appeal and improved performance. Early models were powered by a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320, though Cessna quickly upgraded to the 180-hp O-360 in the Cardinal RG retractable-gear variant and later fixed-gear models to address concerns about climb performance. Despite its innovations, the Cardinal never achieved the commercial success of its stablemate, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Pilots appreciated the roomier cabin and superior ground handling thanks to its steerable nose wheel and spring-steel main gear, but the type developed a reputation for being less forgiving on landing due to its laminar-flow wing and higher approach speeds compared to the 172. The Cardinal's production run ended in 1978 after roughly 4,200 units were built across all variants, making it relatively uncommon on the general aviation ramp today. Nevertheless, Cardinal owners remain devoted to the type, praising its cross-country comfort, stable IFR platform characteristics, and distinctive appearance. The Cardinal's operating envelope is typical of its class: cruise speeds around 130 knots, a service ceiling near 14,600 feet, and a range of approximately 600 nautical miles with reserves. Its 2,500-pound maximum takeoff weight and docile stall characteristics make it an excellent step-up aircraft for pilots transitioning from trainers to more capable cross-country machines. SkyMeter has tracked 1,051 flights across 339 airframes and 321 operators, with EAGLE SKY PATROL INC the largest observed operator.