RYAN STM

Remembering the sumptuous styling of the art-deco era, this glamorous Ryan actually served with two Air Forces during WW-II and barely escaped capture by the Japanese! Originally designed as a 'Sport-Trainer' with its aluminium structure usually polished, this gorgeous art-deco icon proved popular with the 'Hollywood set' back in the 1930s, many 'A' list movie stars learning to fly in Ryans. 

Image: Noel Kruse's stunning art-deco RYAN STM - Photo by Gavin Conroy

With war clouds looming, the ST was adapted for military training (hence STM - Sport-Trainer-Military) and this example was one of many provided to the Dutch East Indies (today's Indonesia) where 34 examples were evacuated from Java as Japanese forces overran the region. They went to Australia to serve in the RAAF before many, like this one, were sold into civilian life, the camouflage replaced once again with those stunning polished flanks. 

Today there are three Ryan STs residing in New Zealand, including this magnificent flyable example and a restoration project that are based here at Omaka as part of a growing collection of stylish art-deco aircraft from aviation's 'Golden Age'. 

Image: Noel Kruse's stunning art-deco RYAN STM - Photo by Gavin Conroy

About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ. 2021 will be Classic Fighters Omaka’s 20th anniversary.
The show is has been postponed until September 03-05 2021 and tickets are available at www.classicfighters.co.nz or at the gate.