This 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal Is a Hidden Gem and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal.

It is hard for many pilots to believe that the Cessna Cardinal was largely rejected by the GA market following its late-1960s debut. One has to remember, though, that this airplane was meant to replace the Cessna 172 Skyhawk which, it turned out, was even more popular than Cessna executives realized. When word of the 172’s planned phaseout got around, customers rebelled.

Teething problems with the initial 177s, which were underpowered and exhibited control sensitivity that some found excessive, did not help. Cessna gradually improved the model, adding power and adjusting its aerodynamics to calm its flight characteristics. When the fixes were done, the Cardinal became a sweet-flying machine, but to some degree, the damage was done. After a decade of sales, the 177 was gone, only to be rediscovered decades later by pilots seeking middle ground between the 172 and 182 Skylane. 

This 1977 Cessna Cardinal has 3,105 hours on the airframe, 1,195 hours on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine, and 260 hours on the propeller. The aircraft is equipped with LED exterior lights and long-range tanks that hold 66 gallons of fuel. This Cessna was repainted in 2008, and its interior was reupholstered in 2005.  

The IFR panel includes a Garmin 480 GPS/nav/com, Garmin 660 touchscreen GPS/nav/com, GTX 330ES transponder, SL 30 nav/com, duan CDI with glideslope, PMA 8000B audio panel, four-place intercom, and JPI EDM 930 engine monitor.   

Pilots looking for a vintage Cessna that fits somewhere between the 172 Skyhawk and 182 Skylane in size and performance, but is arguably more stylish than either, should consider this 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal, which is available for $159,700.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.