DRACO AVIATION - CESSNA CARDINAL RG MAKEOVER
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- Or how to REVAMP a 47 old airplane into a modern up-to-date 4 seat travel machine.
We have been studying this model and discovered that there are TWO very important STC types missing as to complete the REVAMP we had in mind initially. Those are:
- NO STC for the ROBERTSON STOL (R/STOL) package for C177RG`s nor C177 in general. Cardinals did not get included in the large list of CESSNA AIRCRAFT when Robertson initially designed the package that includes the DROOPING AILERONS.
Seen the age of the aircraft and the few left that fly and are in feasable conditions to create a STC for this package and aircraft, there is no sense in doing that very expensive process now before F.A.A. and EASA (E.U.).
Although we had in mind a system that might work and would include at least the drooping ailerons but actuated by a switch in the cockpit at pilot demand. So the pilot would be the one deciding wether or not to use the aileron droop.
A three position GATED SWITCH would be used for that for which a LIFTING ACTION is needed to move it from one position to another: UP, 1/2, FULL but when flaps are up, even though the pilot would move the switch, a squat switch would prevent the AILERONS FROM DROOPING. So a Minimum Flap extension of 10º would be needed as for the ailerons to extend aft and downwards. This would also include stall fences on the top but NOT the leading edges that are included in the R/STOL PACKAGE. This was one of the solutions we were brainstorming about.
- SECONDLY, there are NO STC`s for AUXILIARY FUEL TANKS (and for that matter FUEL PUMPS) for the C177/C177RG. We contacted FLINT AERO about that and it is not existing.
So range increase is also not possible.
Without the extra fuel, the Cardinal has 570NM range and that is with the LONG RANGE TANK options OFF FACTORY as delivered to first buyer.
So, we went with a major UPGRADE of the INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE INTERIOR (needed a redo in all aspects) and the ENGINE UPGRADE.
As far as the engine upgrade is concerned there are 2 options we propose:
#1 - TORNADO ALLEY TURBO CARDINAL CRUISER Turbonormalize kit with a HARTZELL 2 BLADE TRAILBLAZER (Scimitar) constant speed propeller of 78" - with a polished spinner it would look fabulous.
#2 - NO Turbonormalization but a POWERFLOW EXHAUST with Long or SHORT EXHAUST STACK (we prefer the short stack) combined with a MAPLE LEAF EXHAUST STACK FAIRING and combined with a 2 BLADE HARTZELL SCIMITAR ALUMINIUM propeller of 78" and of course a POLISHED SPINNER.
Stay until the end of the video as there is a BONUS content about the PANEL DETAILS as well as a headsup for our major inspiration sources:
- JR AVIATION
- FLY WITH OWEN
- FLYING WITH RICH
- MATT GUTHMILLER
Check out their channels too!
Thanks for watching and enjoy the video, share, like and of course subscribe to the channel.
Amazing work !!!
Interesting video. Fun to see my plane was your inspiration. Love the Cardinals!
Happy to know I was inspired by a great plane. They are great planes. There are quite a few STC`s for it but unfortunately no auxiliary fuel tanks due to the mid spar in the wing as I was told by FLINT AERO. But yes. Great aircraft
I love the ramp appeal of the Cardinal, she looks great. I have about 10 hours in a friend's C177. She handles nicely and view outside is spectacular by not having a wing strut blocking your view. I always considered the Cardinal as a poor man's Cessna C-210. One benefit is that you don't need a HELOC to fill the tanks with avgas. Love to see it all completed.
I've got a 76 Cardinal and literally got it intending to move to a 210 after a few hundred hours. Unfortunately, I'm now hooked.
@@ddthompson42 Haha. Hooked on the Cardinal. It is a fantastic machine indeed. There are only two types of STC`s missing for this aircraft: ROBERTSON STOL (with the drooping ailerons) and FLINT AERO Tip Tanks. Both would enable the aircraft get in and out very short strips (even unpaved) and increase the range considerably. The auxiliary fuel option was never developed for the Cardinal, nor is any STOL kit. Those are the only two major upgrades that are non existing.
As for the rest, it is a marvel and with the large panel, you can get a full glass GARMIN in there wether it be based on G3X TOUCH, G500TXi. It is perfectly feasable. With the GFC500 autopilot it also enhances the ease-of-use operation of the aircraft. Imagine the G500TXi + GTN750Xi+GFC500 working together. You need to cross a fix at x distance at altitude x or above. Well you program the GTN750Xi by selecting either the crossing altitude as "at" - "at or above" - "at or below" at y feet and select the crossing altitude on your GFC500 and select VNAV. The plane will nail it, just like the garmin combo will do in any other model. It is becoming like flying a bigger airplane as a pro.
Nice list of upgrades. Please post your estimated price list. Last I saw the turbo was $50k upgrade.
I fly a '75 177B FG. Love my plane but that goal is to get an RG turbo to make the CO trip from TX.
May want to include O2 unless you are going all portable. May need to peek at the ELT to make sure it is compliant.
The seats are not the greatest for long stretches so improving the batting is needed when you install the new covers.
Hope you guys do a series. If you are not familiar with Cardinal Flyers Organization, take a look.
Thanks for your feedback. I try to reply as soon as possible but end of august is holidays period with my son. So we went off for two weeks and a half. Now back. Just made a new video on my channel about the MOONEY M20R. I have another about a 3GX OVATION too.
ua-cam.com/video/aXFPcDz0a9I/v-deo.htmlsi=YvY4xYLIkSk5b5UP
This is my first video since holidays ended.
Well, let`s say that in this aircraft I would have to go PORTABLE OXY for 2 places. I checked for installed oxy in Cardinals and it seems that it is very reduced number of options there. The only thing that is not existing is auxiliary fuel tanks for the Cardinals as to give it longer legs. I fly mostly stretches between 750 and 950NM. Which is about the distance between my current homestead in Spain and my home country Belgium. The lack of auxiliary fuel would oblige me to insert a fuel stop halfway as it cannot go direct. Spain is okay in terms of weather all year round especially where I live but Belgium is another issue with rapidly changing weather, much more rain, much more overcast (ICING). It is a bit more limiting as some STC`s were not developed for the CARDINALS which is a pity.
first...not a bad list of upgrades...finances and such might dictate priorities in implementing them
second as a past 177B and 177RG owner the FIRST thing any new 177/177RG owner should do is spend 500 bucks on a pair of door stewards from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty...those sweet large doors have a weakness of sprung hinges and door frame damage from wind snatching them ...I'm surprised this didn't make the list
third this video is but 6 days old but Rich is no longer at OCR in Long Beach but is on his own as a broker and sales ..for some times now it seems.
Did not know he is no longer at OCR. I often see his videos. and try to watch them all really as he is great at sourcing fantastic aircraft. I also have been disconnected for the past two weeks due to holidays. But thanks for your feedback.
I am a passionate enthousiast of general aviation. Have been flying since 1990`s, then on and off due to professional activities and family life. Thanks for the feedback. Greetings from Spain.