FSX Cessna Cardinal N821KF

This repaint depicts the striking 2007 Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes aircraft—a modernized 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal sponsored by AOPA—adapted for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. Created by Michael Mannschreck, this livery replicates the vibrant exterior of registration N821KF. It requires the payware Flight1 Cessna 177B (not included), which can be obtained from authorized retailers such as SimShack.

Notable Attributes of the Enhanced Cardinal

The real-world Cessna 177B Cardinal made its initial appearance in the late 1960s as a high-wing, single-engine airplane produced by Cessna. By 1977, it had evolved to incorporate subtle aerodynamic refinements for stability, along with an upgraded interior. A forward-swept wing design provided excellent visibility from the cockpit. For AOPA’s 2007 campaign, the actual airframe was completely overhauled, receiving advanced instrumentation, fresh paintwork, and additional comfort improvements.

Repaint Specifics and Developer Credit

This texture set captures the distinctive exterior style showcased during AOPA’s sweepstakes while remaining faithful to the 1977 Cardinal’s defining lines. Meticulous attention has been paid to color transitions, registration lettering, and placement of sponsor logos. The repaint is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the payware Flight1 Cessna 177B model. Full acclaim goes to Michael Mannschreck for bringing this authentic design to the simulator community.

Installation Procedure and Required Modifications

Add the details below to your Aircraft.cfg folder, then substitute XX with the next available number in your sequence. Ensure you already possess the payware aircraft for correct functionality:

[fltsim.XX]
title = Cessna 117B N821KF
sim = Cessna177B
model =
panel =
sound =
texture =N821KF
panel_alias =
sound_alias =
kb_checklists = Cessna_177B_check
kb_reference = Cessna_177B_ref
atc_id = N821KF
atc_id_color = 0xffffffff
atc_parking_types = RAMP
atc_parking_code = 1
atc_airline=
atc_flight_number=
ui_manufacturer = Cessna
ui_type = C177B Cardinal
ui_variation = N821KF
description = AOPA's 2007 Catch-A-Cardinal Sweepstakes airplane, a refurbished and extensively updated 1977 Cessna 177B Cardinal.\n\nCessna 177B Flight Dynamics 2007, Jerry Beckwith
visual_damage = 0

Additional Notes on Operation

Once the configuration entry is in place, the repaint will appear within the aircraft selection menu. For best results, confirm any additional avionics or panel configurations from the developer’s documentation, as the full model includes upgraded cockpit systems. This modification offers an immersive experience for pilots searching to replicate the iconic Catch-A-Cardinal flights in their personal simulators.