One day, while walking through the FBO, I spotted this ad. Not knowing anything about Cessna 177’s, I called up Eddie to get some more info. Turns out Eddie is a pilot for USAir and purchased this plane so his son could learn to fly. Being a low time pilot myself, Eddie said this would be a great plane to build time in. After a quick demo flight and a little negotiating, I wrote the check and bought my first airplane!
I flew 852 for a little over a year and about 130 hours. We made two trips to southern Florida, one to the Bahamas, numerous trips throughout the mid-west including Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, and Philadelphia. The interior space was cavernous with a huge baggage area, 25" of rear legroom, and doors that opened 90deg. You did pay a price for all of that room when it came to speed. The Cardinal only cruised at about 125kts.
It was a great partnership! …for me anyways. The other two owners barely flew the plane and eventually, we sold the plane to a flying club in Ohio.
He we are loading up for our first trip to the Bahamas.
