This aircraft was donated to the MOTAT collection on the understanding that it would be restored to airworthy condition. To this end, the aircraft is operated by the New Zealand Warbirds Association based at Ardmore, Auckland.This is a great video of the aircraft in action posted by the Historical Aviation Film Unit.
The following is from the Warbirds New Zealand website:
"There are currently two Ryans flying in New Zealand, these being an STM-S2 and an ST-3KR (PT-22 Recruit). As the designation would imply, the STM-S2 (c/n 489) is one of the 34 surviving aircraft from the Netherlands East Indies. Entering service as a floatplane, it was given the Dutch serial number S-53 and then, following the aircraft's arrival in Australia, its floats were replaced by normal landing gear and it gained the RAAF serial number A50-13. After being released from the RAAF, it went through several owners in Australia before being imported to this country and registered as ZK-BEM in 1955. Once here, it passed through several further owners before the now derelict aircraft was donated to Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology in August 1967. The donation was made on the proviso that it be restored to flying condition, however very little was done to the aircraft until 1994 when an agreement was reached between MOTAT and the NZ Warbirds Association. Under the terms of the agreement, NZ Warbirds would restore the aircraft to airworthy condition in return for the exclusive use of it for a set time. Just over four years later (December 13, 1998, to be exact) the Ryan took to the air again as ZK-BEM and presently carries its original S-53 wartime markings."Photos
- Ryan on display for Armore Airshow 1990's (photo from web)
- Aircraft in flight (Rob Neil from web)
References
1 comment:
A beautiful aeroplane. Great to have recently seen it displayed at Ardmore. I wish more of the MOTAT collection was flying - I always find it sad to see such great aeroplanes parked up. The best static displays include aeroplanes with drip trays under them and the smell of oil from recent use.
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