My Cardinal 177RG overhaul

[Cujet]

My avionics are old? Is that what you are sayin? How dare you!

In reality, I can't afford to update the cockpit. It was all I could do to afford the aircraft. I purchased a neat little GPS made by Anywhere Map.

I generally navigate using the GPS with both VOR's as backup. It works well enough for VFR flyin.

Some of the guys in the Cadinal group have done EFIS cockpits. They look great. The problem is that the avionics cost more than my entire aircraft.

Took a couple of cross countries last week. Plane performed perfectly. Had a 22Kt headwind getting home. I sure am glad to have a little speed, otherwise I would be going the same speed as the cars.

 

[Cujet]

Just took a trip from South Florida to North West Tennessee. I made a fuel stop in Lanette Alabama for cheap gas (as my destination did not have fuel). It took 5 hours and 30 minutes to get there. Not bad for a 700+NM. I flew around TN during my vacation, then flew home, non stop.

It was an interesting flight all around. The way up had building rain storms (not yet thunderstorms) over Atlanta. ATC vectored me around the worst of it and I climbed to 12,500 feet. I found a neat little hole between 2 rapidly building clouds and went through. If it had been a few minutes later, I would have had to turn around.

The way back was VFR on top over Atlanta. Absolutely gorgeous. I made it from Sparta Regional in TN to F45 (North County, Jupiter, FL) in 4:38. Not bad for an old clunker. What amazes me is the MPG. I burned about 40 gallons getting home 700 miles. For about a 17.5MPG average at 150MPH!

Both trips were smooth as silk and I was pleased with the aircraft performance. Fuel burn was 8GPH in cruise, 2400RPM full throttle, 8500-11000 feet.

Chris

 

[skippy]

Great job Chris. I've owned a 78 RG for 20 years and do all my own maintenance. I wish I had the time, money, and motivation to undertake that kind of restoration. I'm humbled by your abilities!

 

[Cujet]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GwefXzkT7M

Here is an iPhnone video of my aircraft at full throttle 2000 feet. I was at 170MPH during this video.

The chase plane was an F1-Rocket. Way faster than the cardinal (220+). But I felt good when he asked to borrow my aircraft as his family won't fit in the 2 seater.

Thanks for the nice comments!

 

[helicoptermech]

Ok Cujet....How much do you want for it ( the Cardinal )?
Also, do you sell those genset's as well?

Everything is very nice indeedy. Outstanding work.

 

[38sho]

you based out of F45? that plane does 170? very nice!

I always liked flying high wing planes, too bad I didn't see this before it was put together, that woulda been real cool to see the restoration process in person.... I'm an airplane fanatic, but sadly I got stuck just being a lowly car mechanic...

 

[Cujet]

Yes, I am based at North County.
Yes, the aircraft will go 170MPH true at full throttle and 2700RPM in straight and level flight with 2 aboard, at low altitude. Otherwise it's a 160MPH aircraft at altitude, in cruise flight.

Nothing wrong with being a "lowly car mechanic", you make more than aircraft mechanics, have better job security, and have far less personal liability than the aircraft guys do.

Having done both, there is quite a difference in the thought process between the jobs. There are many aircraft mechanics who work on absolute junk and have to think long and hard about safety. My cardinal certainly taxed my abilities to "get it right".

Chris

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: helicoptermech
Ok Cujet....How much do you want for it ( the Cardinal )?
Also, do you sell those genset's as well?

Everything is very nice indeedy. Outstanding work.


Make offer(s). As always, everything is for sale.

Chris

 

[maximus]

Cujet, I'm envious of you. What an inspiration you are. I spent 45 minutes on your site.

Great job on the restoration.

 

[Mr Nice]

How much would you sell the Cardinal for ?

 

[fdcg27]

You really should take your 177 to Oshkosh next summer.
If I may offer an opinion, you have too much invested in this aircraft, personally and financially, to sell it.
You coudn't get enough money for it.
I hope that you will be able to keep her and use her as she was intended to be used.
Based upon what you have posted above, you have been putting her to good use.
I admire both your skills and your perseverance.

 

[Cujet]

Thanks!

I just flew it to Western TN, then to St. Aug FL, then to SAV, to Cincinnati to SAV and back to S FL. What fun!

The plane is running great and is quite fuel efficient. Plus it's a pleasure to fly.

 

[fdcg27]

Most Cardinal owners seem very pleased with their planes.
Really decent cruise for the power, and a roomy cabin.
Plus, the airplane is good looking.
A 172, with its lift struts, looks pretty pathetic next to a 177, although the 172 is a very good airplane.
From what I understand, the 177 is noticeably more responsive to hands and feet than is the 172.
Since I never even flown in one, I cannot say from any personal experience.

 

[crinkles]

all i can say is WOW. what a job!

 

[Cujet]

Yes, the 177 is a responsive aircraft by comparison to the 172. However, at very high or very low airspeeds, it's like any other aircraft. The controls get fairly stiff at higher speeds, such as a high speed descent 180MPH or so. And when at mimimum speeds, it's mushy just like a 172. The tail feels different and may have more "power" at times.

However, when in normal cruise flight of 150-160MPH true (about 145-155 indicated, it feels great. Nice and light and very responsive to the touch.

In low altitude Florida turbulence (sun heating the ground), a 172 is more of a chore to keep wings level, because it takes more control input and more muscle.


While I like the looks of the 177, I can't say it looks all that much better than the 172. They both look quite similar to me, struts notwithstanding. Many people like the look of the raked back windshield. Not sure that is worth any speed.

Time for oil change #2!