The Stinson 108 Voyager series represents one of post-war America's most successful general aviation aircraft, with over 5,260 units produced between 1944 and 1950. This comprehensive documentation collection covers the complete 108 family including the 108, 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, and Station Wagon variants, providing essential technical reference materials for owners, restorers, and aviation researchers working with these iconic high-wing cabin aircraft.
Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional Stinson 108 documentation, technical bulletins, or variant-specific materials, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.
Historical Note
The Stinson 108 series emerged in 1946 as one of the first post-World War II civilian aircraft designs, perfectly timed to meet enormous demand from returning veterans eager to fly. Developed by Stinson Aircraft Company of Wayne, Michigan (later acquired by Piper Aircraft in 1948), the Model 108 was designed as a rugged, practical family aircraft that could serve equally well for cross-country travel, business use, or weekend recreation.
The aircraft featured a distinctive high-wing configuration with V-bracing struts, fabric-covered wings and tail surfaces (later modified to metal via STC), and a welded steel tube fuselage. The spacious cabin accommodated four occupants in comfort—a significant advantage over competing two-seat designs. Large windows provided excellent visibility, while wide cabin doors made entry and exit easy for passengers and cargo alike.
The series began with the 108 Voyager, powered by a 150-horsepower Franklin 6A4 engine. Subsequent variants included the 108-1 (165-hp Franklin), 108-2 (165-hp Franklin with electrical system improvements), and the popular 108-3 Station Wagon, which featured enhanced payload capacity. The Station Wagon variant earned its name from exceptional utility—owners could remove rear seats to carry cargo, camping gear, or hunting equipment, making it the "station wagon" of the sky.
Between 1946 and 1950, over 5,260 Stinson 108 aircraft were produced, making it one of the most successful post-war light aircraft. Production ended when Piper acquired Stinson, but the 108's legacy endured. Approximately 3,000 remain airworthy today, cherished by owners for their classic lines, solid construction, gentle handling characteristics, forgiving stall behavior, and excellent short-field performance. Many operate on floats for seaplane operations or skis for winter flying in Alaska and Canada.
Manuals Included in This Collection
- Stinson Model 108-1 Aircraft CAA Operating Limitations Manual, 1947
- Stinson Model 108-2 / 108-3 Aircraft Operating Manual, 1947
- Stinson Model 108 Aircraft Parts Catalog Manual, 1946-47
- Stinson Model 108 Aircraft Owner's Operating Manual, 1947
- Stinson Model 108 / 150 Aircraft Operating Manual
- Stinson Model 108 Aircraft Parts Catalog Manual, 1946-47-48
- Stinson Model 108 Aircraft General Service Manual, 1948
- Stinson Model 108 Aircraft Operating Manual, 1948
- Stinson Model 108 Aircraft Service Bulletin Manual
This collection provides comprehensive coverage of flight operations, maintenance procedures, parts identification, service bulletins, and regulatory compliance documentation for the complete Stinson 108 series.
Stinson 108 Series Variant Breakdown
| Variant | Years | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 Voyager | 1946-1947 | Franklin 150 hp (6A4) | Original production model, fabric-covered steel tube fuselage |
| 108-1 | 1947-1948 | Franklin 165 hp | Refined variant with Venturi vacuum systems, individual 5-page AFMs per aircraft |
| 108-2 | 1948-1949 | Franklin 165 hp | Mid-production improvements, electrical system enhancements |
| 108-3 | 1947-1950 | Franklin 165 hp | Most common variant, extensive documentation, Station Wagon configuration |
| 108-5 | 1949-1950 | Franklin 165 hp | Final production variant with enhanced cargo capability |
Engineering Norms and Standards
Certification Basis: The Stinson 108 series was certificated under Civil Air Regulations (CAR) Part 3 for normal category aircraft and CAR 4A small aircraft certification standards. Type Certificate Data Sheet A-767 remains the primary regulatory authority for approved engines, propellers, equipment specifications, weight and balance limitations, and airworthiness requirements.
Construction Standards: Stinson employed robust steel tube fuselage construction with fabric covering (original specification), later modified to alclad aluminum skin via STC. The high-wing configuration provided excellent visibility and ground clearance. Franklin 6-cylinder air-cooled engines (150-165 hp) powered the series, with later STC alternatives including Lycoming O-360 conversions.
Manufacturing Quality: Stinson's engineering approach emphasized cabin comfort and "luxury" appointments unusual for 1940s light aircraft, combined with utility and durability. Peak production of 5,260+ aircraft in a six-year period (1944-1950) demonstrated consistent quality control through multiple ownership transitions (Cord Corporation, AVCO, Vultee, Convair, and finally Piper Aircraft).
Specialized Documentation
Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs): The active Stinson 108 fleet benefits from numerous aftermarket modifications documented through FAA STCs, including:
- Fabric-to-metal wing conversions (108 series)
- Edo 249-2870 float installations for seaplane operations
- Engine replacements (Lycoming O-360 conversions from original Franklin 165 hp)
- Performance and utility upgrades for modern operations
Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives: Current Type Certificate holders maintain ongoing technical support through Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives. Owners should consult current TC holders and Univair Aircraft Corporation for the latest compliance documentation.
Production Records: A comprehensive 90-page serial number database documents all 5,260+ aircraft with variant identification, production dates, and delivery information—critical for restoration authentication and ownership verification.
Where to Find Additional Documentation
Official Support:
- Current Type Certificate Holders: Contact for current Airworthiness Directives, Service Bulletins, and airworthiness compliance requirements
- Univair Aircraft Corporation: Primary parts supplier and technical documentation provider with comprehensive Stinson 108 Resource Library including production information, STC lists, hardware specifications, and operating limitations
- Essco Aircraft: Documentation reproduction services and historical manual archives
Historical Archives:
- Stinson Owner Groups and Forums: Active technical support networks and restoration expertise sharing
- Type Clubs: Stinson-specific organizations providing maintenance guidance and community support
- Museums: Texas Air Museum – Stinson Chapter (San Antonio) and other preservation venues
Specialty Vendors:
- Online Aviation Library: Structured digital collections with free lifetime updates, organized folder hierarchy, and professional-grade archival resources for restoration and research
- Aircraft Sales and Registries: Controller.com for current market listings, Airport-Data.com for production and registration data, FAA N-number lookup for airworthiness verification
Format and Delivery
All manuals are provided as high-quality PDF files for instant digital download. Search, bookmark, and reference critical technical information whenever needed. Print specific sections for hangar use or maintain the entire collection on a tablet for easy field access.
Disclaimer
This item is sold for historical and reference only. These are either original or copies of manuals and blueprints used when these aircraft were in active duty, now transferred into electronic format. These manuals and blueprints are not meant to be used for current update material for certification/repair, but make an excellent reference for the scholar, collector, modeller or aircraft buffs. For proprietary reasons, we generally only provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft/engines/helicopters. The information is for reference only, and we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy or currency of any manuals.
Reference herein to any specific commercial products by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, is not meant to imply or suggest any endorsement by, or affiliation with that manufacturer or supplier. All trade names, trademarks and manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners.
This digital compilation, structure, indexing and presentation are © Sicuro Publishing.