Since 1974, the Ryan has been undergoing a complete renewal, which is now almost finished. The restoration includes the following:  rejigging and reskinning the fuselage;  complete renewal of the wings with Sitka spruce spars, new ribs and new attachment brackets and brass bearings for the flaps and ailerons;  a full set of new stainless steel flying wires from McWhyte; new milled cockpit longerons; new wheel fairings, and renovated control surfaces;  new certified control cables;  new wheels and tyres with hydraulic brakes;  rebuilt fuel tank;  improved MLG shock absorbers;  cockpit fully fitted out as new; and a zero-hours Gipsy Major 10-1 engine (145 hp) with hand-made cowls.

All work has been carried out or supervised by Licensed Aircraft Mechanical Engineers and extensive compliance paperwork is available.

Unfinished work is as follows: engine installation;  cockpit instrumentation;  covering of wings which are still open;  painting of fabric surfaces; sourcing a propeller and fitment of battery and wiring for engine starter and radio.

This is in effect a new aircraft, 84 years after manufacture. Furthermore it has the benefit of a new Gipsy engine which has been brought up to the latest mod status, including an electric starter, Slick mags, and carb heat, all with release paperwork. The Gipsy engine is an approved Australian mod, and is more reliable and supportable than the original Menasco engine, but is externally almost indiscernible from the original.

It is regrettable that this lengthy restoration has outlasted the current owner who is about to hang up his goggles and buy a caravan.  

‍