Ryan STA Special

July 7th 2025

I purchased this beautiful (ARF) "All Ready to Fly" by Phoenix Models some time ago and it's time to put it together. I was doing some research online looking for an aircraft to model after and came across this stunning 1937 Ryan STA Special, registration number: N17360. The aircraft is now owned by Simply Living LLC and it’s based in Fort Myers FL. 

My research indicates that a Mr. Robert Fergus from Ocala FL purchased the aircraft in 1977, from whom, I don't know, may be the Mexican Airforce? Mr. Gunther Kaelberer from Arizona apparently purchased and refurbished it between 2006 to 2015 with the aircraft receiving its certified of airworthiness on 04/18/2017. The engine is a Super Charged Menasco Pirate C4S. I just couldn't resist upgrading my Ryan ARF to look like this magnificent machine. As you can see, this version has two seats, flaps, and an all metal skin except for the wings and tail which are fabric. This will be so much fun recreating this bird, and man will it look amazing out at the field.

I picked up a book on the "The New Ryan" by EV Cassagneres, published by Flying Books 1995
ISBN 0-911139-20-6. The book is full of information on the history and development of the Ryan series of aircraft. I did stumble across a picture in the book of the N17360 Ryan that I'm trying to duplicate. It was originally built and sold to the Mexican Air Force, not sure how it ended up in Mr. Kaelberer hanger but she sure is a beautiful machine.

Starting by removing the wing covering first. I will be covering the wings and tail feathers in Sig Koverall. Koverall is a cloth covering of the type used on full-scale aircraft, but in a lighter weight for models. Lots of upgrade work on this project but at least the building part is done of the major airframe, hope it wont take too long to complete so I can fly it this year. 

Working out the flap modification

07/29/2025

Removed the area from the wing to allow for the flap installation.

August 6, 2025

Starting to layout the flaps and Ailerons. The trailing edge will be 1/8th dowel, wanted the round look and the extra strength on the TE to prevent damage.  

Preparing the ribs for the flaps and aileron.

The balsa strips are spacers to keep the ribs in the center of  main wing ribs.

Flap and rib constructed and ready to separate.

Test fitting the flaps and aileron 

Added the 1/8th doweling to the wingtip edge for wingtip protection. Still need to clean up and blend everything together.