1

READ THROUGH THIS MANUALBEFORE STARTING CONSTRUCTION.

IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS CONCERNING THE

ASSEMBLY AND USE OF THIS MODEL.

WEIGHT60 – 65 oz [1700 – 1842 g]

WING LOADING20.3 –22.1 oz/ft2 [61.9 – 67.4 g/dm2]

RADIO4-Channel required

Tower Hobbies® guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification. In no case shall Tower Hobbies’ liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

In that Tower Hobbies has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final 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 product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Services at the address below:

Hobby Services • 3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1 • Champaign IL 61822 • USA

Include a letter stating your name, return shipping address, as much contact information as possible (daytime telephone number, fax number, e-mail address), a detailed description of the problem and a photocopy of the purchase receipt. Upon receipt of the package the problem will be evaluated as quickly as possible.

WA

RR

AN

TY

TOWA2090© 2017 Tower Hobbies.®  A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. 

®®

TOWER HOBBIESChampaign, Illinois

(217) 398-8970 ext. 6

WINGSPAN53 in [1346mm]

WING AREA424 sq in [27.35 dm2]

LENGTH40 in [1016mm]

airsupport@hobbico.com

INSTRUCTIONMANUAL

2

As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), you

are responsible for the operation of this vehicle and the safety

of those around you. Please contact your local authorities

to fi nd out the latest rules and regulations.

In the United States, please visit:

knowbeforeyoufl y.org faa.gov/uas

AMA

We urge you to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)

and a local R/C club. The AMA is the governing body of model

aviation and membership is required to fl y at AMA clubs.

Though joining the AMA provides many benefi ts, one of the

primary reasons to join is liability protection. Coverage is not

limited to fl ying at contests or on the club fi eld. It even applies

to fl ying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure

to comply with the Safety Code may endanger insurance

coverage. Additionally, training programs and instructors are

available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right

way. There are over 2,500 AMA chartered clubs across the

country. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone

number below.

Academy of Model Aeronautics5151 East Memorial Drive

Muncie, IN 47302-9252

Tele. (800) 435-9262

Fax (765) 741-0057

Or via the Internet at: www.modelaircraft.org

IMPORTANT: Two of the most important things you can do

to preserve the radio controlled aircraft hobby are to avoid

fl ying near full-scale aircraft and avoid fl ying near or over

groups of people.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Protect Your Model, Yourself & Others…

Follow These Important Safety Precautions

1. Your Ryan STA EP ARF should not be considered a toy, but

rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very

much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance

capabilities, this model, if not assembled and operated

correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or

spectators and damage to property.

2. 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 unfl yable model. In a few cases the instructions

may differ slightly from the photos. In those instances the

written instructions should be considered as correct.

3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.

4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in fi rst-class

condition.

5. You must correctly install all R/C and other components

so that the model operates correctly on the ground and in

the air.

6. You must check the operation of the model before every

fl ight to insure that all equipment is operating and that the

model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check

clevises or other connectors often and replace them if they

show any signs of wear or fatigue.

7. If you are not an experienced pilot or have not fl own this

type of model before, we recommend that you get the

assistance of an experienced pilot in your R/C club for

your fi rst fl ights. If you’re not a member of a club, your

local hobby shop has information about clubs in your area

whose membership includes experienced pilots.

8. While this ARF has been fl ight tested to exceed normal

use, if a motor larger than the one recommended is used,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

REQUIRED ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Radio Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Battery and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Adhesives and Building Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Optional Supplies and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KIT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

WING ASSEMBLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Join the Wing Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Install the Landing Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Rudder & Elevator Servo Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Install the Motor and ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Finish Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Apply the Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Check the Control Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Set the Control Throws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Balance the Model Laterally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Balance the Model (C.G.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PREFLIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Identify Your Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Charge the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Ground Check and Range Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

FLYING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Takeoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3

the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce

the high stress points and/or substituting hardware more

suitable for the increased stress.

9. WARNING: The cowl and wheel pants included in this kit

are made of fi berglass, the fi bers of which may cause eye,

skin and respiratory tract irritation. Never blow into a part

to remove fi berglass dust, as the dust will blow back into

your eyes. Always wear safety goggles, a particle mask and

rubber gloves when grinding, drilling and sanding fi berglass

parts. Vacuum the parts and the work area thoroughly after

working with fi berglass parts.

We, as the ARF manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, thoroughly tested plane and instructions, but ultimately the quality and fl yability of your fi nished 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.

REMEMBER: Take your time and follow the instructions

to end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

REQUIRED ITEMS

Radio Components

A transmitter and receiver with 4-channels is required. The

Tactic TTX650 6-channel or Futaba 6J 6-channel radio system

are great low-cost radio systems perfect for the Ryan STA

EP ARF.

❍ (1) Transmitter Futaba 6J 6-channel S-FHSS (FUTK6000) or Tactic TTX650 6-channel SLT (TACJ2650)

❍ (1) FUTL7627 Futaba R617FS 7-Channel FASST Receiver

❍ (4) Servos Futaba S3150 Slim Digital Servo (FUTM0303) or Hitec HS-81 Standard Mini Servo (HRCM3402)

❍ (2) Futaba 9” (229mm) Servo Extension (FUTM3910) or Tactic 12” (305mm) Servo Extension (TACM2130)

❍ (1) Y-Harness FUTM4135 or TACM2751 ❍ (1) Motor RimFire .32 (42-50-800) (GPMG4700)❍ (1) Speed Control Castle Creations Phoenix Edge Lite

75 (CSEM1200)❍ (1) 4mm Female Connector (3) (GPMM3115)❍ (1) Male Star Connector (HCAM4010)❍ (1) 1” x 6” Velcro (for addition battery packs) (GPMQ4480)Propellers❍ 13x8E Propeller (APCQ3080)❍ 14x8.5 Propeller (APCQ4011)

Battery and Charger

A 3S 3200mAh – 3600 mAh LiPo battery is required to power

the Ryan STA EP ARF.

❍ Great Planes ElectriFly LiPo 3S 11.1V 3200mAh 25C

Star Plug (GPMP0871)

❍ FlightPower LiPo FP50 3S 11.1V 3600 mAh 50C Star

Plug (FPWP5363)

Most modelers may already have a suitable LiPo charger,

but for those that do not, the Duratrax Onyx 235 AC/DC

Advanced Peak Charger (DTXP4235) is one of the chargers

recommended. The Onyx charger is perfect for 3S batteries

used with the Ryan STA EP ARF and may be powered either

by an external DC power source (such as a 12V battery), or

a 110V AC outlet. The Onyx also has an adjustable charge

rate to charge your batteries in as little as a half-hour or

less (depending on the condition of your batteries and the

manufacturer’s specifi ed charge rate). The Onyx can also

charge large batteries and batteries other than LiPo. So it is a

versatile charger you can grow into. The 235 also has an LCD

digital display screen, so you can see how much capacity

it took to recharge the battery (required for monitoring the

condition of your batteries and calculating how long your

plane can fl y).

Adhesives and Building Supplies

❍ Tower Hobbies 6-minute Epoxy (TOWR3806)

❍ Tower Hobbies 30-minute Epoxy (TOWR3810)

❍ Mixing Sticks (50, GPMR8055)

❍ Mixing Cups (GPMR8056)

❍ Epoxy Brushes (GPMR8060)

❍ Tower Hobbies Build-It CA Thin Glue (TOWR3800)

❍ Denatured Alcohol (for epoxy clean-up)

❍ Masking Tape

❍ #64 Rubber Bands (HCAQ2020)

❍ 1/16" [1.5mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32" [2.5mm] drill bits

❍ Drill

❍ Phillips head screwdriver

❍ Wire Cutters

❍ Pliers

❍ Stick-on segmented weights (GPMQ4485)

❍ Medium T-pins (HCAR5150)

❍ CG Machine (GPMR2400)

❍ Paper Towels

❍ #1 Hobby Knife (RMXR6903)

❍ #11 Blades (5-pack, RMXR6930)

Covering tools❍ Top Flite MonoKote Sealing Iron (TOPR2100)

❍ Top Flite Hot Sock Iron Cover (TOPR2175)

❍ Top Flite MonoKote Trim Seal Iron (TOPR2200)

❍ Top Flite MonoKote Heat Gun (TOPR2000)

❍ Coverite 21st Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700)

❍ Coverite 21st Century Cover Sock (COVR2702)

❍ Coverite 21st Century Trim Sealing Iron (COVR2750)

Optional Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of optional tools mentioned in the manual that

will help you build the Ryan STA EP ARF.

❍ CA Applicator Tips (HCAR3780)

❍ CA Debonder (GPMR6039)

❍ Robart Super Stand II (ROBP1402)

❍ Servo Horn Drill (HCAR0698)

❍ AccuThrow Defl ection Gauge (GPMR2405)

❍ Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer (TOPQ5700)

4

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS

Replacement parts are available from Tower Hobbies for your

Ryan STA EP ARF. Our order assistance representatives are

ready to answer your questions or to place your order. Call

us at (800) 637-6050.

Order No. Description

Wing

Fuselage

Tail Surfaces

Cowl

Hatch

Landing Gear Set

Plastic Parts Set

Tail Wheel Assembly

Decals

TOWA5015

TOWA5016

TOWA5017

TOWA5018

TOWA5019

TOWA5020

TOWA5021

TOWA5022

TOWA5023

Order No. Description

Belly Pan

Wheel Pants

Spinner

Wing Bolts (2)

TOWA5024

TOWA5025

TOWA5026

TOWA4077

KIT INSPECTION

If any parts are missing or damaged, consult Tower Hobbies

Order Assistance. (See phone numbers below.)

Note: All parts are one per kit unless otherwise stated.

Toll Free Order Assistance . . . . .800 637-6050

Fax Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217 398-7721

E-mail: airsupport@towerhobbies.com

CONTENTS

1. Cowl 2. Fuselage 3. Belly Pan 4. Plywood Wing Joiners (2) 5. Right Wing Half 6. Left Wing Half

7. Fin 8. Rudder 9. Left Landing Gear Cover Top 10. Left Wheel Pant 11. Right Landing Gear Cover Top

12. Right Wheel Pant 13. Left Landing Gear Wire 14. Right Landing Gear Wire 15. Main Wheels (2) 16. Tail Gear Wire 17. Tail Wheel

18. Wind Screen 19. Head Rest 20. Spinner 21. Horizontal Stabilizer 22. Left Elevator 23. Right Elevator 24. Elevator Joiner Wire

1

4

7

2

5 83

6

9

10

11

12

1314

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22 23

24

5

PREPARATION

Use a covering iron set to about 300° F with a covering sock

to go over the model tightening the covering where necessary.

NOTE: This covering material requires less heat than you

may be used to. Excessive heat will cause the covering to pull

away from the seams or may even cause the parts to bend.

WING ASSEMBLY

Let’s start with the right wing.

❏ 1. Pull on the ailerons to check that the CA hinges are

securely glued. If needed, apply a couple drops of thin CA

and check again.

❏ 2. Follow the instructions included with your servos to

install the rubber grommets and metal eyelets.

❏ 3. Install a servo lead extension (not included). Secure the

connection with tape or shrink tubing (not included).

❏ 4. Center the aileron servo.

a. Connect the servo to the receiver.

b. Switch on the transmitter and temporarily connect

the ESC and motor battery or a receiver battery to

the receiver.

c. Center the aileron trim on the transmitter.

d. Install a servo arm so that one of the arms is

perpendicular to the centerline of the servo, as shown.

Remove the unused arms.

e. Unplug the motor or receiver battery and switch off

the transmitter.

❏ 5. Center the aileron servo arm in the aileron hatch opening.

Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two hardwood aileron servo

mounting blocks to the hatch.

❏ 6. Place a piece of thin cardboard or paper folded over

several times between the servo and the aileron hatch. Drill

1/16" [1.5mm] holes for the servo mounting screws and install

the screws.

6

❏ 7. Remove the servo mounting screws and servo and

apply a drop of thin CA in each hole to harden the threads

in the wood blocks.

❏ 8. After the CA has cured, reinstall the aileron servo

and screws.

❏ 9. Tie the string from inside the wing to the end of the

aileron servo wire. Wrapping a piece of masking tape around

the end of the servo wire and the string will help when pulling

the servo wire through the wing.

❏ 10. Pull the servo wire through the wing and route the wire

out of the hole in the top of the wing.

❏ 11. Mount the aileron servo hatch to the wing with four

2x10mm sheet metal screws and 2mm fl at washers. After

installing the screws, remove the screws and hatch. Then,

harden the screw holes with thin CA. After the CA cures,

reinstall the screws and hatch.

❏ 12. Thread a nylon clevis 20 turns onto the 2-56 x 4-3/8"

[110 mm] metal pushrod. Slide a silicone clevis retainer over

the clevis.

❏ 13. Attach the clevis in the middle hole of the nylon

control horn.

7

❏ 14. Position the control horn on the aileron so that the

pushrod is aligned with the aileron servo arm and the holes

in the control horn are aligned with the aileron hinge line.

Mark the two control horn mounting holes.

❏ 15. Drill 1/16" [1.5mm] holes at the marks. Do not drill

completely through the wing.

❏ 16. Mount the control horn to the aileron with two 2x10mm

sheet metal screws.

❏ 17. Remove the screws and control horn and harden the

screw holes with thin CA. Once the CA has cured, reinstall

the control horn.

❏ 18. Switch on the transmitter and receiver. Make sure the

aileron servo arm and aileron are centered. Mark the pushrod

where it crosses the outer hole of the aileron servo arm.

❏ 19. Make a 90 degree bend at the mark. Trim off the end

of the pushrod ¼" [6.5mm] from the bend.

❏ 20. Insert the pushrod and secure it with a nylon Faslink.

Slide the silicone clevis retainer over the clevis.

8

❏ 21. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the nylon wing dowel in

the leading edge of the wing.

Return to step 1 and install the aileron servo in the left wing.

Join the Wing Panels

❏ 1. Use 6-minute epoxy to glue the two plywood wing

joiners together.

❏ 2. Without glue, insert the plywood wing joiner in one wing

half and test fi t the wing halves together to check the fi t. Make

sure both wing halves fi t together at the root without any

gaps. If needed, slightly sand the wing joiner for the best fi t.

❏ 3. Gather everything needed to glue the two wing halves

together including 30-minute epoxy, mixing sticks, mixing

cup, epoxy brush, rubberbands, masking tape, 12" [305mm]

long wire or small diameter dowel, denatured alcohol, paper

towels and the two ¼-20 wing bolts from the parts bag.

❏ 4. Mix 2 oz. [59.1cc] of 30-minute epoxy. Working quickly,

pour a generous amount into the joiner pocket of one wing

half. Use the wire or dowel to thoroughly distribute the epoxy,

coating all surfaces inside the joiner pocket. Coat the root rib

and one half of the wing joiner. Insert the wing joiner in the

wing. Coat the joiner pocket in the other wing half and the

other end of the wing joiner. Join the wing halves together.

Use the rubberbands to hold the trailing edges of the wing

together using the wing bolts and leading edge dowels.

Stand the wing up on end and use paper towels dampened

with denatured alcohol to remove the excess epoxy that

squeezes out. Use masking tape to hold the wing halves in

alignment if necessary.

❏ 5. After the epoxy cures, remove the rubberbands and

masking tape.

Install the Landing Gear

❏ 1. Trim the covering from over the slots for the right main

landing gear.

9

❏ 2. Insert the main landing gear wire into the slots. Make

sure the wire is completely seated in the slots.

❏ 3. Position the nylon fl at straps over the landing gear wire

and drill 1/16" [1.5mm] pilot holes in the hardwood rails. Don’t

drill through the top of the wing.

❏ 4. Secure the fl at straps to the wing with 2x10mm sheet

metal screws and 2mm fl at washers. Remove the screws

and harden the threads in the wood with thin CA. Reinstall

the screws.

❏ 5. Look at the upper landing gear covers from the front

to determine the left and right covers.

❏ 6. Temporarily slide the upper gear cover over the main

landing gear.

10

❏ 7. Slide the right wheel pant over the right landing gear.

Slide the wheel pant down and position it so that the landing

gear is as far forward as possible. Then, rotate the wheel

pants into position.

❏ 8. Slide the upper gear cover over the wheel pant and slide

the wheel pant down so that the axle is exposed.

❏ 9. Apply a drop of thread locker to a 3mm set screw. Install

the set screw in a 4mm wheel collar. Slide the wheel collar

on the axle and tighten the set screw.

❏ 10. Slide the main wheel on the axle and secure it with a

second 4mm wheel collar and 3mm set screw.

11

❏ 11. Position the wheel pant so that the wheel collars are

inside the pant and the wheel is centered. Center the upper

gear cover.

❏ 12. Mark and trim the upper gear cover to clear the

screw heads.

❏ 13. Drill 1/16" [1.5mm] pilot holes through the front and

back of the upper gear cover and into the hard wood gear

rails. Secure the upper gear cover to the wing with 2x10mm

sheet metal screws. As before, use thin CA to harden the

threads in the wood rails.

❏ 14. Position a nylon strap in the recess and mark the

hole locations.

❏ 15. Drill a 5/64" [2mm] hole through the wheel pants at

the marks, perpendicular to the recess.

❏ 16. Secure the wheel pants to the landing gear with the

nylon strap, 2x10mm machine screw, 2mm fl at washer and

2mm nut. Apply a drop of thread locker to the threads of the

screw before installing the 2mm nut. Do not over-tighten the

screws, crushing the fi berglass wheel pant.

17. Return to step 1 and install the left main landing gear

and wheel pants.

12

ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE

❏ 1. Install the wing on the fuselage and secure it with the

10- 24 x 2" [ 51mm] nylon wing bolts.

❏ 2. Slide the horizontal stabilizer into the fuselage. Insert

the vertical fi n to position the horizontal stabilizer.

❏ 3. Check that the horizontal stabilizer is parallel with the

wing. If it is not, lightly sand the stabilizer slot until it is parallel.

❏ 4. IMPORTANT: Insert the elevator joiner wire in the

stabilizer slot. Then, use 30-minute epoxy to glue the stabilizer

in the fuselage. Use the vertical fi n to temporarily position

the stabilizer. Wipe off any excess epoxy with a paper towel

and denatured alcohol.

❏ 5. Use epoxy to glue the fi n in. Make sure it is perpendicular

to the horizontal stabilizer.

❏ 6. Insert a T-pin into the center of six CA hinges.

❏ 7. Insert the hinges into the trailing edge of the horizontal

stabilizer, up to the T-pin.

❏ 8. Test fi t the elevators to the horizontal stabilizer.

❏ 9. Remove the elevators and clean the elevator joiner wire

with denatured alcohol. Apply 6-minute epoxy in the joiner

wire holes in the elevators and reinstall the elevators on the

stabilizer. Remove the T-pins and apply 5 drops of thin CA

to both sides of each CA hinge.

13

❏ 10. Apply a dab of grease or oil to prevent epoxy

from adhering.

❏ 11. Insert the tail gear wire in the aft end of the fuselage.

Use the T-pin method to temporarily insert the three CA

hinges in the fi n. Test fi t the rudder on the fi n.

❏ 12. Remove the rudder and note the position of the nylon

tail gear bearing in the fuselage. Glue the tail gear bearing

in the fuselage with 6-minute epoxy.

❏ 13. Once the epoxy cures, glue the rudder to the fi n using

the same method used to attach the elevators.

❏ 14. Insert the rudder control horn in the slot on the left

side of the rudder. Mark the control horn at the joint between

the control horn and the rudder.

❏ 15. Use sandpaper to sand off the paint below the line.

❏ 16. Glue the rudder control horn in the rudder using

6-minute epoxy.

❏ 17. Slide the tail wheel on the tail gear axle. Apply a drop

of thread-locker to a 3mm set screw. Thread the set screw

into a 2mm wheel collar and install it on the tail gear.

14

Rudder & Elevator Servo Installation

❏ 1. Install the grommets on the rudder and elevator servos.

❏ 2. Connect the rudder and elevator servos to the receiver.

Switch on the transmitter and receiver. Center the rudder and

elevator trims. Install and position the servo arms as shown.

Trim off the excess arms.

❏ 3. Insert the 2-56 x 24" [610mm] metal pushrods in the

rudder and elevator pushrod tubes. Position the rudder and

elevator servos so that the pushrods align with the servo arm.

❏ 4. Secure the servos in the servo tray using the screws

provided with the servos. Use thin CA to harden the threads

in the plywood servo tray.

❏ 5. Use adhesive backed hook and loop material to

attach the receiver to the bottom of the servo/battery

tray. Route the receiver antennas following the radio

manufacturer’s instructions.

❏ 6. Trim off the end of one of the nylon clevises as shown.

❏ 7. Thread the nylon clevis 20 turns onto one of the 24"

[610mm] metal pushrods. Slide a clevis retainer onto the clevis.

❏ 8. Insert the pushrod into the rudder pushrod tube. Attach

the clevis to the rudder control horn and slide the clevis

retainer over the clevis.

❏ 9. Switch on the transmitter and receiver. Center the

rudder and mark the rudder pushrod where it crosses the

rudder servo arm.

15

❏ 10. Make an L-bend at the mark, trim off the excess pushrod

and attach the pushrod to the rudder servo with a Faslink.

❏ 11. Thread the last nylon clevis, 20 turns onto the second

24" [610mm] metal pushrods. Slide a clevis retainer onto

the clevis.

❏ 12. Insert the pushrod into the elevator pushrod tube.

Attach a nylon control horn to the clevis as shown.

❏ 13. Position the control horn on the elevator so that the

holes in the control horn are aligned with the elevator hinge

line. Also make sure the control horn is positioned over the

elevator joiner wire inside the elevator. Mark the two control

horn mounting holes.

❏ 14. Drill 3/32" [2.5mm] holes through the elevator at

the marks.

❏ 15. Attach the control horn to the elevator with two 2x12mm

machine screws and a nylon control horn back plate.

❏ 16. With the transmitter and receiver switched on, position

the elevator servo arm so that it is 90 degrees to the elevator

pushrod and mark the pushrod where it crosses the servo arm.

16

❏ 17. Make an L-bend at the mark, install the servo arm and

Faslink, and then cut the excess pushrod. Notice that the

pushrod is installed from the top to allow the servo arm to

rotate without binding.

Install the Motor and ESC

❏ 1. Install the RimFire .32 motor to the front of the motor box

with four 2.5 x 12mm machine screws, 2.5 mm lock washers

and 2.5mm fl at washers. Apply a drop of thread-locker to

the threads of the machine screws before installing.

❏ 2. Cut and attach a piece of adhesive backed hook and

loop material to the bottom of the ESC. Attach the opposite

piece to the bottom of the motor box.

❏ 3. Make a hook and loop strap by overlapping a strip of

hook material with loop material by 1" [25mm].

❏ 4. Secure the ESC to the bottom of the motor box with

the hook and loop strap. Trim off the excess strap.

❏ 5. Connect the 3 motor wires to the ESC motor wires. Plug

the ESC into the receiver.

❏ 6. With the propeller not installed, switch on the transmitter and position the throttle stick in the low position. Connect the motor battery to the ESC. Arm the ESC if required following the instructions included with the ESC. As the throttle stick is advanced, the motor should start to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front. If the motor rotates in the wrong direction, switch two of the three motor wires and recheck the motor rotation. If the motor goes to full power with the throttle stick in the low position, the throttle will need to be reversed on the transmitter.

❏ 7. Rotate the motor to position the prop adapter as shown.

17

❏ 8. Slide the cowl over the motor. Insert the plywood tab at

the lower back of the cowl into the slot at the bottom of the

fuselage. Position the tab at the upper back of the cowl over

the slot in the top of the motor box and push the cowl down.

IMPORTANT: Do Not install the propeller and spinner until

after the control throws have been checked.

Finish Assembly

❏ 1. Center the headrest behind the cockpit. Mark the outline

of the head rest on the turtledeck.

❏ 2. Use a T-pin to pierce holes through the covering just

inside the outline of the headrest. This will strengthen the

glue bond between the headrest and turtledeck.

❏ 3. Wipe off the outline on the turtledeck. Lightly sand the

bottom of the fl ange on the head rest and clean it off with

denatured alcohol. Glue the headrest on the turtledeck with

Formula 560 canopy glue or thin CA.

❏ 4. Install the intrument panel decal. Use canopy glue to glue

the wind screen in front of the cockpit. We do not recommend

CA. It may fog the wind screen.

18

❏ 5. Bolt the wing on the fuselage. Install the belly pan using

the same procedure used to install the headrest.

❏ 6. Cut and attach two pieces of the rough adhesive backed

hook and loop material to the battery tray. Attach a strip of

the soft adhesive backed hook and loop material to the back

of the motor battery.

❏ 7. Make a hook and loop strap by overlapping a strip of

hook material with loop material by 1" [25mm].

❏ 8. Insert the strap through the battery tray. Position the

motor battery on the tray, trimming the strap as necessary

to secure the motor battery to the battery tray.

Apply the Decals

19

❏ 1. The majority of the decals are die-cut from the factory.

❏ 2. Be certain the model is clean and free from oily

fi ngerprints and dust. Prepare a dishpan or small bucket

with a mixture of liquid soap and warm water – ½ teaspoon

of soap per gallon of water. Submerse one of the decals in

the solution and peel off the paper backing. NOTE: Even

though the decals have a “sticky-back” and are not the water

transfer type, submersing them in soap and water allows

accurate positioning and reduces air bubbles underneath.

❏ 3. Position decal on the model where desired. Holding the

decal down, use a paper towel to wipe most of the water away.

❏ 4. Use a piece of soft balsa or something similar to

squeegee the remaining water from under the decal.

GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY

Check the Control Directions

DO NOT install the propeller until instructed to.

❏ 1. Switch on the transmitter and connect the fl ight battery

to the ESC.

❏ 2. Center the control surfaces.

FULL THROTTLE

RUDDER

MOVES RIGHT

ELEVATOR MOVES DOWN

RIGHT AILERON MOVES UP

LEFT AILERON MOVES DOWN

❏ 3. Make certain that the control surfaces and throttle

respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram.

If any of the controls respond in the wrong direction, use

the servo reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos

connected to those controls. Be certain the control surfaces

have remained centered. Adjust if necessary.

Set the Control Throws

❏ 1. Hold a ruler against the widest part of the control surface

and measure the high rate throw fi rst.

20

Pushrod Farther Out

Pushrod Farther Out

LESSTHROW

Pushrod Closer InMORETHROW

MORE THROW

Pushrod Closer In

LESS THROW

❏ 2. If needed, adjust the location of the pushrod on the

servo arm or on the control horn fi rst. Then, use the endpoint

adjustment in your transmitter to fi ne tune the throws.

❏ 3. Measure and set the low rate throws using the dual rates

on the transmitter. Next, measure and set the high and low

rate throws for the rest of the control surfaces the same way.

If your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend setting

the throws at the high rate settings.

These are the recommended control surface throws:

ELE

VA

TO

R

HIGH RATE LOW RATE

5/8"

[16mm]

12°

Up

5/8"

[16mm]

12°

Down

7/16"

[11mm]

8°

Up

7/16"

[11mm]

8°

Down

15/16"

[24mm]

31°

Up

15/16"

[24mm]

31°

Down

5/8"

[16 mm]

20°

Up

5/8"

[16 mm]

20°

Down

1-1/8"

[28mm]

20°

Right

1-1/8"

[28mm]

20°

Left

7/8"

[22mm]

16°

Right

7/8"

[22mm]

16°

Left

RU

DD

ER

AIL

ER

ON

S

IMPORTANT: With the propeller removed and the control

throws set, set the fail safe on the transmitter. We recommend

checking the fail safe by switching off the transmitter with

the motor battery connected to the ESC. The motor must

not come on when the transmitter is switched off. Unplug

the motor battery from the ESC.

❏ 4. If the RimFire 32 is installed, use a 5/16" [8mm] drill bit

to enlarge the center hole in the spinner backplate. Slide

the spinner back plate onto the prop drive, followed by

the propeller and secure them with the 8mm prop washer

supplied with the Ryan and the prop nut. Attach the spinner

cone to the spinner back plate with the two 2.5 x 10mm sheet

metal screws. Note: The propeller opening in the spinner

cone may need to be enlarged slightly so that the cone does

not rub on the propeller.

❏ 5. If installing a pilot (not included) now is the time to install it.

Balance the Model Laterally

❏ 1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the

model by the propeller shaft and the bottom of the fuse under

the TE of the fi n. Do this several times.

❏ 2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it

means that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding

weight to the other wing tip. An airplane that has been

laterally balanced will track better in loops and other

maneuvers.

Balance the Model (C.G.)

DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE.

A model that is not properly balanced may be unstable and

possibly unfl yable.

60mm67mm

2-3/8"

2-5/8"

❏ 1. Mark the C.G location on the top of the wing, between

2-3/8" [60mm] to 2-5/8" [67mm] from the wing’s leading edge.

21

❏ 2. With the plane ready to fl y, with an empty fuel tank or

motor batteries installed, use a Great Planes C.G. Machine or

apply narrow (1/16" [2mm]) strips of tape at the front and rear

C.G. locations so you will be able to feel them when lifting the

model with your fi ngers to check the C.G. location. Do not

at any time balance the model outside this C.G. range.

❏ 3. First, move the motor battery forward or aft to balance

the plane. If needed, use Great Planes “stick-on” weight

(GPMQ4485) to balance the plane. Place incrementally

increasing amounts of weight on the bottom of the fuselage

over the location where it would be mounted inside until the

model balances. A good place to add stick-on nose weight is

to the motor box. Do not attach weight to the cowl—this will

cause stress on the cowl and could cause the cowl to crack

or come off in fl ight. Once you have determined if additional

weight needs to be installed, permanently attach the weight

with glue or screws

❏ 4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any

weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

You should always have your name, address, telephone

number and AMA number on or inside your model. It is

required at all AMA R/C club fl ying sites and AMA sanctioned

fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation tag on page 23 and

place it on or inside your model. You must also have your

FAA number on your plane and accessible without any tools.

Charge the Batteries

Always charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the night

before you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended

by the radio manufacturer.

CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your radio system state differently, the initial charge on new NiMH transmitter batteries should be done for 15 hours using the slow-charger that came with the radio system. This will “condition” the batteries so that the next charge may be done using the fast-charger of your choice. If the initial charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries may not reach their full capacity and you may be fl ying with batteries that are only partially charged.

If the transmitter comes with LiFe batteries, be sure to follow the instructions included with the transmitter and use the correct charger designed to charge LiFe batteries.

Ground Check and Range Check

Follow the radio manufacturer’s instructions to ground check

the operational range of your radio, before the fi rst fl ight of

the day. This should be done once with the motor off and

once with the motor operating at various speeds. If the control

surfaces do not respond correctly, do not fl y! Find and correct

the problem fi rst. Look for loose servo connections or broken

wires, corroded wires on old servo connectors, loose motor

connectors or try relocating the receiver antennas away from

the motor battery.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ELECTRIC MOTOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: Once the motor batteries are connected the

electric motor can start at any time. Make sure the fail safe

is set on your radio to prevent the motor from starting if the

signal is lost.

WARNING: Read the entire instruction sheet included with

your motor batteries. Failure to follow the instructions could

cause permanent damage to the battery and its surroundings

and cause bodily harm!

WARNING: Get help from an experienced pilot when learning

to operate electric motors.

ALWAYS switch on the transmitter fi rst. Then, connect the motor battery. After fl ying, unplug the motor battery fi rst, then switch off the transmitter.ALWAYS keep these items away from the prop: loose clothing,

shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects such

as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket

pockets into the prop.

ALWAYS keep your face and body as well as all spectators

away from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you run

the motor.

ALWAYS wear safety glasses when operating the motor.

ALWAYS remove the propeller if the motor batteries will be

connected when working on your plane.

ALWAYS remove the motor batteries when charging.

ALWAYS follow the charging instructions included with your

charger for charging LiPo batteries. LiPo batteries can cause

serious damage if misused.

22

ALWAYS unplug the motor batteries fi rst.

ALWAYS use a LiPo approved charger.

ALWAYS set the charger’s output volts to match the battery

volts.

ALWAYS charge a LiPo battery in a fi reproof location.

ALWAYS charge through the “charge” lead.

ALWAYS KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

ALWAYS remove the batteries from the plane after a crash.

Set them aside in a safe location for at least 20 minutes. If

the batteries are damaged in the crash they could catch

fi re. If the battery starts to swell, quickly move the battery

to a safe location, preferably outside. Place it in a bucket,

covering the battery with sand. Never use water to try and

put out a LiPo fi re.

NEVER operate the motor in an area of loose gravel or sand;

the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.

NEVER touch the motor during or right after operation. The

motor may be HOT!

NEVER switch off the transmitter with the motor batteries

plugged in.

NEVER use a NiCd/NiMH peak charger to charge a LiPo

battery.

NEVER charge in excess of 4.20v per cell unless the battery

is rated for a higher voltage.

NEVER charge through the “discharge” lead.

NEVER charge at currents greater than 1C unless the battery

is rated for a higher charge rate.

NEVER trickle charge a LiPo battery.

NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 150 degrees

F [65 C].

NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any way

or puncture the cells.

NEVER discharge below 2.7V per cell.

NEVER place the battery or charger on combustible materials

or leave it unattended during charge or discharge.

NEVER charge the batteries in the plane.

FLYING

The Ryan STA EP ARF is a great-fl ying sport model that fl ies

smoothly and predictably. However, it does not possess the

self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and

should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.

CAUTION: (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If, while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an impending crash. If fl utter is detected, slow the model immediately and land as soon as safely possible. Identify which surface fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free of play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circum-stances it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed. Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large bends; Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.

Takeoff

Before taking off, see how the model handles on the ground

by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the runway.

Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If

necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will roll straight

down the runway.

Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point

the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator

to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering,

and then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains

speed, decrease up elevator allowing the tail to come off the

ground. One of the most important things to remember with

a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply right rudder to

counteract motor torque. Gain as much speed as your runway

and fl ying site will practically allow before gently applying up

elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely

that you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract

motor torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the

model to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before

turning into the traffi c pattern.

23

Flight

It is a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with

you to keep an eye on other traffi c. Take it easy with the

Ryan STA EP ARF for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually getting

acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. Adjust the trims

to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around for a

while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of battery

power remaining, practice slow fl ight and execute practice

landing approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the

model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how she

climbs as well. Continue to fl y around, executing various

maneuvers and making mental notes of what trim or C.G.

changes may be required to fi ne tune the model so it fl ies

the way you like. Mind your fl ight time, but use this fi rst fl ight

to become familiar with your model before landing.

Landing

To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on

the downwind leg. Continue to lose altitude, but maintain

airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto the

crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward the runway (into

the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed and

control. The Ryan STA likes to come in with a little more

speed than trainer type planes. Level the attitude when the

model reaches the runway threshold, modulating the throttle

as necessary to maintain your glide path and airspeed. If

you are going to overshoot the runway, smoothly advance

the throttle (always ready on the right rudder to counteract

torque). Climb out to make another attempt. When the model

is a foot or so off the ground, smoothly increase up elevator

until it gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway

and has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail

on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.

If using the recommended 3200 –3600 mAh LiPo batteries,

set your transmitter timer to 4.5 minutes for the fi rst fl ight.

After landing, check the capacity of the batteries and adjust

the timer as needed. With good throttle management and

scale type fl ying, 6 to 8 minute fl ights are possible.

FINAL NOTE: Have a goal or fl ight plan in mind each time you

fl y. This may be learning or improving a maneuver or learning

how the model behaves at certain speeds and control rates.

Every maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive. A fl ight

plan reduces the chances of crashing your model because

of poor planning and impulsive moves.

Have a ball! But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!

This model belongs to:

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone Number

FAA Number

AMA Number

24

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