Cessna 177 Cardinal

Cessna · United States · first flew 1966 · light aircraft

The Cessna 177 Cardinal is a four-seat single-engine general aviation aircraft notable for its strutless cantilever high wing, giving it a cleaner appearance and better visibility than Cessna's strut-braced 172. The stabilator and wider doors add to its distinctive character.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.31 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Cantilever high-wing without wing struts
Large four-seat cabin with wide doors
Stabilator (all-flying tail) rather than elevators

Distinctive among high-wing Cessnas by the absence of wing struts; the cantilever wing, wide cabin doors and stabilator give a cleaner profile than the 172 or 182.

Specifications

The Cessna 177 Cardinal has a length of 8.31 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.82 m (35 ft).
Its maximum speed is 233 km/h (145 mph).
Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Introduced in 1968 as a more modern replacement for the Cessna 172, the Cardinal was initially criticised for marginal performance on the original 150 hp engine, but became well-regarded after the 180 hp 177B was introduced in 1971. The retractable-gear 177RG further expanded the type's appeal. Production ended in 1978, but the Cardinal retains a devoted following.

Variants

The 177 used a fixed-pitch propeller; the 177B introduced a constant-speed prop and more power; the 177RG added retractable gear.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by private owners and flight training schools throughout the US and internationally; no military service.

Related aircraft

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