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Academy of Model Aeronautics

5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. (800) 435-9262

Fax (765) 741-0057

Or via the Internet at: 

http://www.modelaircraft.org

The Great Planes Ryan STA is an excellent sport-scale
model. Its size makes it eligible to fly in IMAA events. The
IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association) is an
organization that promotes non-competitive flying of giant
scale models. You can contact the IMAA at the address or
telephone number below.

IMAA

205 S. Hilldale Road

Salina, KS 67401

(913) 823-5569

If you plan to attend an IMAA event, refer to the 

IMAA Safety

Code

and 

recommendations

in the back of this manual.

1. You must assemble the model according to the instructions.
Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may result in an
unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases the instructions may
differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the written
instructions should be considered as correct.

2. Take time to build straight, true and strong.

3. Use an R/C radio system that is in first-class condition and
a correctly sized engine and components (fuel tank, wheels,
etc.) throughout your building process.

4. You must properly install the R/C radio system and other
components so that the model operates properly on the
ground and in the air.

5. You must test the operation of the model before every flight
to insure that all equipment is operating and you must make
certain that the model has remained structurally sound. Be
sure to check clevises or other connectors often and replace
them if they show signs of wear or fatigue.

Remember: Take your time and follow the instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

Before starting to build, compare the parts in this kit with
the Parts List and note any missing parts. Also inspect
all parts to make sure they are of acceptable quality. If
any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if you have
any questions about building or flying this airplane,
please call us at (217) 398-8970, or e-mail us at
productsupport@greatplanes.com. If you are contacting
us for replacement parts, please be sure to provide the
full kit name (Great Planes Ryan ARF) and the part
numbers as listed in the Parts List.

You can also check our web site at www.greatplanes.com
for the latest Ryan ARF updates.

Because the Ryan uses dual elevator servos and because
the servos must move in opposite directions (due to the way
they are mounted in the fuse), they cannot be connected
with a “Y” connector (unless you have a “reverse” servo).
Therefore, to fly the Ryan a radio system capable of
electronic servo mixing is required, so that one of the
elevator servos can be reversed. If you do not have a radio
with programmable mixing, there is another solution. MPI
(Maxx Products, (847) 438-2233), located in Lake Zurich,
Illinois, offers an electronic servo mixing device called the

Miracle Y

. When the elevator servos are connected to the

Miracle Y they will operate in opposite directions. 

A receiver battery with a capacity of at least 1000 mAh is
also recommended for a model of this size. 

There are several engines that will work well in your Ryan
STA ARF. The official engine size recommendation range is
.91 to 1.20 two-stroke or four-stroke. If you select an engine
in the upper end of the size range, remember that the Ryan
is a scale model that is intended be flown in a scale manner
at scale speeds, so prudent throttle management must be
practiced. Our prototype, powered by an O.S.

®

MAX .91 FS,

flew smoothly and most scale-like at about 3/4 throttle. We
also found that a 14 x 8 prop was perfect for this engine and
model combination. Other engine sizes may require
different size props, so start with the manufacturer’s
recommendations that came with the engine.

ENGINE SELECTION

RADIO SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Note:

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top

quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the quality
of your finished model depends on how you build it;
therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the
performance of your completed model and no
representations are expressed or implied as to the
performance or safety of your completed model.

PRECAUTIONS

IMAA INFORMATION

3

Summary of Contents for Ryan STA

Page 1: ...al user assembled product By the act of using the user assembled product the user accepts all resulting liability If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this p...

Page 2: ...Ryan STA ARF rest assured Its flight performance more than lives up to its great looks This model is definitely one of the most gentle honest enjoyable ARFs around Even in mild crosswinds you ll find...

Page 3: ...17 398 8970 or e mail us at productsupport greatplanes com If you are contacting us for replacement parts please be sure to provide the full kit name Great Planes Ryan ARF and the part numbers as list...

Page 4: ...9 64 3 16 7 32 17 64 or 1 4 drill and 8 32 tap or Great Planes 8 32 tap and drill set GPMR8103 Sealing Iron TOPR2100 Covering sock TOPR2175 Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual CA...

Page 5: ...ommended that you use only 30 minute or 45 minute epoxy because you will need the working time and or the additional strength When you get to each step read that step completely through to the end bef...

Page 6: ...at on the workbench the tip of the other half should be approximately 6 5 8 from the workbench 4 Separate the wings and remove the joiners Thoroughly coat all mating surfaces including the inside of t...

Page 7: ...f the hinges so they remain centered when joining the aileron to the wing 5 With the aileron joined to the wing remove any pins used to center the hinges Be certain there is a small gap between the le...

Page 8: ...lon Faslink trim the end of the wire so that approximately 1 16 protrudes from the Faslink as shown in the sketch If necessary enlarge the holes in the servo arm with a 48 or 5 64 drill 6 Mount the le...

Page 9: ...he landing gear to the wing with four nylon landing gear straps and eight 2 x 1 2 screws 8 Now that the final position of the wheel pant wheel and wheel collars has been determined remove the wheel pa...

Page 10: ...pressure required to cut the covering thereby reducing the chance of cutting into the balsa 8 Peel the covering from the stab Remove any ink with a piece of a tissue dampened with denatured alcohol 9...

Page 11: ...ols are hooked up 9 Cut the covering from the hole in both sides of the rudder Thread the 6 32 x 1 1 2 threaded rod into the rudder until it is centered Thread a 6 32 nylon torque rod connector onto b...

Page 12: ...ocks on both sides of the fuse The hole will be a future reference for mounting the wing struts later on Refer to this photo for the following two steps 7 Securely glue the aft servo tray to the crutc...

Page 13: ...to flow Allow the joint to cool without disturbing Avoid excess blobs but make certain the joint is thoroughly soldered The solder should be shiny not rough If necessary heat the joint again and allow...

Page 14: ...ion as shown in the photo 1 Disconnect the clevises from the rudder and remove the rudder from the fin Measure the distance from the bottom of the third hinge slot to the threaded rod that goes throug...

Page 15: ...l be 5 7 8 from the firewall This will provide the correct clearance between the spinner and the cowl Temporarily hold the engine to the mount with clamps Use a Great Planes Dead Center Hole Locator G...

Page 16: ...owl As you can see in the photo 1 8 leftover plywood glued to the ends of the two side cowl mount blocks was required Refer to the following photos while mounting the cowl 5 Position the cowl on the f...

Page 17: ...op of the tray so it would not interfere with the throttle servo Note With the battery pack and receiver mounted where shown our prototype Ryan with an O S MAX 91 FS balanced within the recommended C...

Page 18: ...ield 1 Use black fuelproof paint to coat the inside of the cockpit After the paint dries place the instrument panel sticker on the instrument panel 2 Have a helper hold the clear plastic windscreen in...

Page 19: ...r and center the trims If necessary remove the servo arms from the servos and reposition them so they are centered 2 If necessary adjust the clevises on the pushrods so the control surfaces are center...

Page 20: ...cowl it is not intended to support weight Begin by placing incrementally increasing amounts of weight on the bottom of the fuse over the firewall until the model balances Once you have determined the...

Page 21: ...secure Ground check the operational range of your radio before the first flight of the day With the transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and transmitter on you should be able to walk at leas...

Page 22: ...s until I become a qualified flier unless assisted by an experienced helper 3 I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit or spectator areas and I will not thereafter fly over pit o...

Page 23: ...ents a greater danger than an overpowered aircraft However the selection of engine size relative to airframe strength and power loading mandates good discretionary judgement by the designer and builde...

Page 24: ...ace your name address AMA number and telephone number on or inside your model 20 Cycle your receiver battery pack if necessary and make sure it is fully charged 21 If you wish to photograph your model...

Page 25: ...landing approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at slower speeds Practice slow flight and landing approaches while still at a comfortable altitude Add power to see how she cli...

Page 26: ...______________ Where Purchased _________________________ Date Construction Started __________________ Date Construction Finished _________________ Finished Weight __________________________ Date of Fi...

Page 27: ...ote Pilot figure not included Piper J 3 Cub ARF GPMA1310 This sport scale model is all wood impressively detailed and flight ready in as little as 15 20 hours Surrounding the CAD engineered framework...

Page 28: ...plied though wheel wells and mounting rails are built in for retracts Note Pilot figure not included Giles G 202 GPMA1315 Designed to convince kitters that ARFs can be outstanding Parts interlock for...

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