A pilot who hasn’t flown in a few years decides it’s time, and the airplane waiting is a Cardinal 177 A that has been sitting in a family hangar. Before anything else comes a flight review, a careful look at the airplane, and a lot of reading.
Returning pilots often find their memory of procedures is shakier than their stick-and-rudder skills. Speeds, emergency procedures and the order of items fade first, and a checklist written for the model is one of the best tools for rebuilding them.
The 177 A is a Cardinal, with the strutless wing and stabilator that set the 177 family apart from the 172. CheckMate lists its 177 A checklist separately from the other Cardinal models.
Quick answer: CheckMate Cessna 177 A Checklist is a model-specific cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Cessna 177 A Cardinal. It suits returning pilots, owners and renters of the 177 A. It’s offered as the original CheckMate, CheckMate+ and the personalized CheckMate Pro, with the CheckMate versions in Standard and Compact sizes. It supplements, not replaces, the airplane’s POH/AFM, so confirm it matches your aircraft’s exact model, year, engine and handbook before relying on it. It’s available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
Which version to choose
- CheckMate. The design that started it all, with the familiar legacy look, in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate+. Updated design language for better readability and safety, with passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It includes an instant low-res, black-and-white temporary digital download, and comes in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
- CheckMate Pro. A personalized version of CheckMate+. Add your tail number, name or phone number, your empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours; Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) size.
Before you fly with it
- Line it up with the POH. Compare every section with the POH/AFM, emergency procedures included, and treat the handbook as the authority wherever they differ.
- Confirm the exact airplane. Make sure the checklist matches your aircraft’s model, year and engine, plus any supplements for installed avionics or modifications.
- Rebuild from the book. Read the POH and the checklist side by side before flying, and fly with an instructor until the procedures come back.
- Use it every flight. Run it the same way on every flight, short local hops included, so it’s a habit rather than a formality.
Pilot tip: If an airplane has been sitting, talk to a mechanic before you fly it. Long periods of inactivity can affect the engine, fuel system and tires, and the inspection status needs checking too.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Cessna 177 A Checklist is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
I fly a 177 B. Is this the right checklist?
No. CheckMate lists a separate checklist for the 177 B. Use the one that matches your airplane’s model.
How do I know it matches my airplane?
Compare it with your aircraft’s POH/AFM and supplements, and confirm the model, year and engine. The handbook for your specific airplane takes priority over any checklist.
What can CheckMate Pro personalize?
Your tail number, name or phone number, empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours.
