ST-L FAQs

I AM A BIG PERSON. WILL I FIT THE ST REPLICA?

The replica was designed to take a pilot as light as 150 lbs and as heavy as 240 lbs. We have confirmed the cockpit is actually roomier than an original and will fit somebody at least 6'5" tall (and likely much taller).

I HAVE NEVER BUILT AN AIRPLANE.  IS THIS TOO DIFFICULT FOR ME?

First off, it is our job to help you get across the finish line.  Our tech support is just a call away with near 24/7 availability. Secondly, don’t ever tell yourself that something is too difficult.  When one task is conquered, you are ready for the next.  The included instruction manual also helps to keep things going smoothly, outlining the order of operations and showing you how to deal with manufacturing methods. 

HOW MANY HOURS WILL IT TAKE AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO BUILD THIS PLANE?

Estimates indicate about 1500-2000 hours for construction and averaging 80k to 110k US for a finished, flying airplane.  When we first set out to design this plane, our end-goal was to afford people the opportunity to build a replica of one of the most desirable aircraft ever built, but at a reasonable price.

WHY 95% SCALE AND NOT 100% SCALE?

Cost and simplicity.  Most people can’t drop 250k on a full-size replica, much less 350-700k on the real deal.

The Rotax line of engines is the current front-runner for engine options.  Because these options don’t offer the power of a Menasco engine that a full-size ST would require, a weight reduction was mandatory.  Less weight means less power required which means we now have less expensive engine options.  No need to plunk 50k on a Menasco and then worry about parts availability.

Yeah, yeah, you don’t like the sound of a Rotax.  We have a solution for that in the form of a resonator which gives the ST-L a “real” airplane sound. See the fly-by video above.

The empty weight range of the ST-L is 850-950 lbs, depending on the build and pilot weight.  With 100 horsepower, we have a higher power-to-weight ratio and lower wing loading than the ST-A. With 120 hp, you can expect to match the ST-L special.  More power than that and you’ll be blowing the wings off of any factory-built ST-type.  Shoulder and leg room are increased, as well, which is counter intuitive.  Pilots of 6'5"/250 lbs have tried on the ST replica and have confirmed the cockpit is roomier than the original.

So, it is a small difference in size with huge implications on weight, performance, cockpit size, and cost to build/operate/maintain. Even parked next to a full size ST, most people will never notice the size difference. At 100% scale, there would be no possible way to meet our cost, engine, performance, and baggage goals. That 5% is the difference between a $90,000 replica that meets customer criteria and a $250,000 replica that under-performs.

HOW ACCURATE IS THIS REPLICA?

Let’s clear the air first.  The ST-L is NOT a reverse-engineered product.  It is a clean-slate design.  It is a faithful representation of the Ryan ST, ST-A, ST-A Special, PT-16, PT-20, and ST-M.  It is all-metal with cowlings and fairings of fiberglass or aluminum, depending on the builder's tastes.  We strived to keep the outward appearance as accurate as possible, along with the overall look and feel of the interior. 

Some notable changes are:  modern airfoil, electric elevator trim, hydraulic brakes, better tailwheel geometry, modernized landing gear that solves the "squirrely" nature often reported of the original ST, simplified shocks that are lighter and easier to maintain, simplified wire attachments at the lower landing gear, simplified modernized control systems, and heavy duty aluminum I-beam wing spars.  This replica retains the original-style wires with the one strut above the wing stub.  All-in-all, it is a modern airplane that is very-well disguised as a classic.

CAN A PT-22 REPLICA BE MADE FROM THIS RYAN ST REPLICA?

This is an easy answer that becomes a complicated one.  While the Ryan ST and PT-22 look similar, they were vastly different designs that had vastly different handling mannerisms.  The ST was a sport plane with handling akin to a Spitfire (power difference aside) and the PT-22 was a much more cantankerous military plane.  You can make a PT-22 “look-alike”, but not a replica.

WHAT VARIANTS CAN I REPLICATE FROM THIS DESIGN?

There were many variants of the Ryan ST that can be replicated using this 95% scale plane as a foundation.  The variants are ST, ST-A, ST-A Special, STM, STM-2, PT-16, PT-20, and PT-20A (radial-powered).  In addition to those variants, other oddball things have shown up on the original STs, including bubble canopies and a sliding canopy that was supposedly developed for Canadian planes.

WHAT TYPES OF RIVETS ARE USED ON THIS PLANE?

The airplane was designed with a mix of solid rivets and structural blind rivets.  Solid rivets are just as easy to use once you have a small amount of practice.  Rivets used depend on the part.  There are many areas where only solid rivets are acceptable, so please follow the plans carefully.  Can the skins be riveted with blind rivets?  In general, YES!  Contact us for more about that.

WILL THIS AIRPLANE HOLD ITS RESALE VALUE?

It is difficult to predict any market.  As of writing this, it is our opinion that the airplane will have excellent resale value once completed.  After all, the only other option is to go purchase a real Ryan ST at a price that is unrealistic for us mortals.  We have had kits change hands before completion and the resale value has been astonishing, to say the least.