Aircraft overview

The Cessna 177 Cardinal is a four-seat, high-wing, single-engine piston aircraft produced by Cessna from 1968 to 1978, with the retractable-gear 177RG Cardinal RG introduced for the 1971 model year. It was developed as a more modern companion to Cessna’s fixed-gear four-seat line, notable for its strutless cantilever wing, wide cabin doors and stabilator tail. The design gives the Cessna 177 Cardinal a cleaner look, easier cabin access and better forward and upward visibility than many strut-braced high-wing singles of its era.

Performance & specifications

Most fixed-gear Cardinals are powered by Lycoming four-cylinder engines, with later 177B models using the 180 hp Lycoming O-360 series. Typical cruise speeds for well-rigged fixed-gear aircraft are around 120 to 125 knots, while the 177RG, powered by a 200 hp Lycoming IO-360, commonly cruises closer to 140 to 145 knots. Usable range is often in the 500 to 600 nautical mile class, depending on fuel, engine, propeller and reserves. Useful load commonly falls around 900 to 1,000 lb in many examples, but individual aircraft equipment and empty weight matter. Published service ceiling for the 177B is about 14,600 feet.

Cabin & avionics

The Cessna 177 Cardinal seats four, with two large doors and a relatively open cabin for a 1960s and 1970s single. The absence of wing struts improves visibility during turns and sightseeing, while the lower sill and broad doors simplify entry compared with some contemporary Cessnas. Factory avionics were conventional analog panels, not Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective installations. Many used aircraft now have mixed retrofit panels with Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 electronic instruments, ADS-B equipment and upgraded audio panels. Autopilot condition and supportability should be reviewed carefully.

Buying & value

Buyers comparing used Cessna 177 Cardinal aircraft should separate early 150 hp 177 models, later 180 hp 177A and 177B aircraft, and the faster 177RG. Pre-purchase attention should include corrosion checks, landing gear condition on the RG, stabilator rigging, fuel system status, engine history, useful load after avionics upgrades and the quality of any speed or cowl modifications. The type often appeals to buyers who want Cessna familiarity with better access and visibility than a typical strut-braced high wing. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price around EUR 107,000, with examples ranging from about EUR 76,000 to EUR 172,000, reflecting variant, avionics, engine time and overall condition.