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Update 2011-02-17 by Chris Powell
Cessna 177RG (1975)
Tested with X-Plane 9.67, should work fine in others

This RG model is based upon Sonny Lacey's outstanding B model.
For more info: 
http://cbpowell.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/cessna-177rg-cardinal-for-x-plane/

Pre-Git Changelog:
(All later changes are reflected in the Git history.)

2011-02-22:
* Fabricated a proper Cessna manifold pressure / fuel flow gauge.

2011-02-21:
* Made custom graphics for the square engine gauges and installed those (to be more cosmetically accurate).

2011-02-19:
* Ditched the lame X-Plane GPS to make room for more useful instruments
* Installed DME
* Installed autopilot
* Installed HSI
* Moved #2 VOR up and moved ADF in its old place
* Installed panel lighting rheostats
* Larger toggle switches for lights etc.
* Larger trim wheels
* Nicer panel background graphics
* Rearranged some panel items for realism / usability


2011-02-17: Initial release

The original 177B readme follows.
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Airplane, Single Engine Land
Cessna 177B (1970)
X-Plane ver. 9.22 +
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End User License and Agreement (EULA):

The purchaser of this computer software (program), as well as any person using this software, uses it at their own risk. The originator of this software, Sonny Lacey, takes no responsibility for any damages that may arise from the use of this computer program. This software is used for personal purposes and entertainment only and cannot be used for commercial means. The end user of this software agrees not to redistribute or modify it in any way. Download, installation and/or use of this software is an implicit agreement by the end user to these terms.  

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History of this file and updates:

Having created a Cessna 150 for X-Plane, I have long wondered what a 177 Cardinal would be like. I have had my eye on various Cardinals, but never had a chance to test fly one "for real." Drawing upon resources found on the Internet, as well as from a Cardinal down the hangar row from where I keep my 150, I began this project. 

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Statistics for the 'real-world' Cessna 177B are as follows:

General characteristics

    * Crew: 1
    * Capacity: 3 passengers
    * Length: 27 ft 8 in (8.44 m)
    * Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
    * Height: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
    * Wing area: 174 ft² (16.2 m²)
    * Empty weight: 1,495 lb (680 kg)
    * Max takeoff weight: 2,500 lb (1,100 kg)
    * Powerplant: 1× Lycoming O-360-A1F6D flat-4 engine, 180 hp (135 kW)

Performance

    * Never exceed speed: 141 knots (162 mph, 259 km/h)
    * Cruise speed: 124 knots (143 mph, 230 km/h)
    * Range: 604 nm (695 mi, 1,120 km)
    * Rate of climb: 840 ft/min (4.27 m/s)
    
  --source: Wikipedia
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Handling the Cessna 177:

Ground handling is simple, as the nosewheel steers with rudder input. 

Takeoffs are accomplished with 10 degrees of flap, normally, and smooth rotation while keeping the plane on the extended centerline of the runway. 

Cruise of the 177 is quite easy and you may need to adjust your namifold pressure setting and prop RPM to reach 120 knots.

Landing the 177 can be accomplished with flaps or slips or a combination of both. The 177 does not slow down particularly quickly, so you may have to plan ahead. Do not flare out too high or with too much of an angle; the 177 necessitates a shallower transition to minimum energy landing.

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Direct all feedback (good and bad) to:
Sonny Lacey
tel. 469-360-3500
Dallas, TX USA
sonny@coldwaterdesign.com

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(c) 2010 Coldwater Industrial Design 

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