The story
The Cardinal was designed to replace the 172 and arrived twenty years ahead of its time: a sleek cantilever wing with no struts, huge doors, and visibility like a helicopter. Pilots didn't switch, but the ones who chose it never looked back.
It was meant to replace the Cessna 172 — instead the 172 has outlived it by nearly half a century and counting.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Cessna 177 Cardinal?
High-wing Cessna with NO wing struts — that's the giveaway. Low stance, wide doors, and the pilot sits ahead of the wing's leading edge for a fighter-like view.
What does a Cessna 177 Cardinal sound like?
Standard Lycoming four-cylinder, but sleeker through the air than its trainer cousins.
How fast is the Cessna 177 Cardinal?
Top speed is 136 kts.
How many passengers does the Cessna 177 Cardinal carry?
Up to 3. A typical layout is 1 pilot + 3 passengers.
How far can the Cessna 177 Cardinal fly?
Range is about 600 nmi.
How big is the Cessna 177 Cardinal?
It is 27 ft 8 in long and 35 ft 6 in across the wings.
When did the Cessna 177 Cardinal first fly?
Its first flight was in 1966.
How many Cessna 177 Cardinals have been built?
4,295 (incl. Cardinal RG) built.
How rare is a Cessna 177 Cardinal in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Cessna 177 Cardinal catch is worth 25 points.
