Cessna Cardinal 177RG IFR

The Cessna Cardinal is probably the most beautiful single engine from Cessna. Her streamlined shapes, the retractable gear and the absence of the familiar Cessna wing struts give this design a modern and sporty look.

Combined with a powerfull Lycoming engine that delivers 200 hp, a cruisespeed of 145 knots can be attained with 75% power at 6000 feet.

We seldom see Cardinal owners change to another type of aircraft, which says something about the fullfilment and joy this aircraft brings them. There exists a very active Cardinal Flyer's Club and their website contains lots of interesting information, knowledge and tips.

The Cessna Cardinal was build from 1968 to 1978. In 1971 the 177RG was introduced and became the most beloved model because the retractable gear and powerfull engine gave it the extra speed. In total 4295 177's were build from which 1543 were RG models. Reims France also build 177RG models. The Cessna's that are build by Reims in France have the advantage to be better protected against corrosion. The PH-BSX is also a Reims Cessna!

It is not so often that a Cessna Cardinal is being sold and there is always someone who is specifically looking for one. because of this the Cessna Cardinal keeps it value longer than the other Cessna models.

At this moment this aircraft is in use by the "Eindhovense Aeroclub" and used for cross country trips by the more experienced pilots. It is also used for IFR-training.

The lack of wing support struts (characteristic for all other single engine Cessna's) results in a less resistant profile but also does not obstruct the view and makes the Cardinal a perfect platform for aerial photography. By the way ... it also makes this aircraft nicer to look at, don't you think?

The Cessna 177 also offers much better upwards visibility compared to a 172 because of its steeply raked windshield and more aft-mounted wing.

In the picture above you can see that the stabilator is much bigger than that of a Cessna 172. This is an all moving stabilator horizontal tail. You can see the relatively small trim area.

The cockpit

The instrumentpanel is large and concise like we are used to from Cessna. Completely equiped for IFR flights.

In stead of a simple gyro-compass you have a modern HSI. Especially usefull for IFR flights. A complete list of all the avionics is presented in the right bar of this web-page.

In the picture above you look from the dooropening of the co-pilot to the instrument panel. The STEC 50 autopilot can be seen in the lower right corner.

Interior

Not so long ago all the chairs are professionaly refurbished.

The complete interiour looks good and even the safety belts have the same color.

High performance

The Cessna Cardinal falls in the category "high performance complex single". The retractable gear and "constant speed" propeller give this aircraft a professional look.

United states prices! You have to read this!

We have noticed that there are many people who compare the asking prices of General Aviation aircraft that are advertised in US dollars ($) to the prices of the aircraft for sale in Europe. Unfortunately they easily forget to add all the extra costs that are involved in getting the aircraft from the United States (and N-register) to Europe.

There are many extra costs involved, like getting an export license, ferrying the aircraft, the extra insurance for the ferry and the VAT to be paid.

But there is also the fact that the European rules on maintenance are much more strict than they are in the United States or Canada. Even when an aircraft is very young, then it will be possible that costs have to be made to get the aircraft up to European maintenance requirements.

Then there is the IFR situation. If you want an IFR certified aircraft, you have to know that the presence of a DME, ADF and mode S transponder are mandatory in Europe! In almost all cases this equipment is not present in aircraft from the other side of the ocean. Mode S transponders are usually only present in aircraft build from 2004 onwards.

Depending on the particular aircraft you have in mind, these costs can easily amount to 15 to 25 thousand euro's!

We just want you to know, so that you do not compare apples and oranges!