A military version of the civilian Ryan STA, the YPT-16 became the first monoplane acquired by the USAAC as a primary trainer. They ordered 15 after purchasing a single Ryan STA-1 in 1939 for testing as the XPT-16. From 1940-1942, the Air Corps bought nearly 1,200 more similar Ryan trainers as PT-20s, PT-21s and PT-22s. This one was not in fact operated by the military and was registered NC18922 by Ryan, but was used for demonstrations to Air Corps officials here at Wright Field in July 1939. To the museum in 1986

The YPT-16 was a military version of the civilian Ryan STA and became the first monoplane acquired by the Army Air Corps as a primary trainer. This aircraft flew as NC18922 in civilian life but is on display at the National Museum of the USAF as one of the 15 YPT-16 operated by the AAC. They must have been satisfied and this led on to the AAC operating nearly 1,200 more similar Ryan trainers as PT-20s, PT-21s and PT-22s.