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When you're forced to stay inside and make homemade cold brew...the best way to enjoy is soaking up some sun.
In 1939, the Ryan Company in America produced the Ryan ST-A, which was an improved version of the original Ryan ST (Sports Trainer), of 1933. The ST-A attracted wide attention and a military version was developed with larger cockpits, dual controls, and night-flying equipment.
This aircraft became the first low-wing monoplane trainer to be used by the USAAC, where it was known as the PT-16. The Dutch Government purchased a large number of these trainers, as STMs, for service with the Royal Netherlands Indies Army Air Corps and, early in 1942, some of these aircraft were captured and used by the Japanese. However, the remaining Dutch Ryans were evacuated to Australia, including the STM-2 seaplane version which had been used in Java.
Thirty-four Ryan STMs were absorbed into the RAAF, and the first aircraft, A50-1, was received on 21 July 1942 and the last, A50-34, on 27 August 1942. The Ryans were used mainly for refresher training at a variety of aircrew training units, while others were flown on transport missions with Nos 1, 2 and 3 Communications Units. Also, at least one float-plane version operated for a short time from RAAF Rathmines.
In March 1954, many of the STMs still in service were stored for disposal at RAAF Evans Head where, unfortunately, quite a number were damaged by a hurricane on 9 April 1945.
Today, several ex-RAAF Ryans are still flying in Australia and some have been re-equipped with Gipsy Major engines.