E-flight Apprentice STS 1.5m Smart Trainer w/SAFE RTF Basic
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Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE
- Official Trainer of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and many clubs worldwide
- The ideal choice for new pilots when learning to fly with an instructor at an RC flying field
- Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes you can easily change between at the flip of a switch
- Includes almost everything needed to fly except for a compatible LiPo battery and charger
- Spektrum™ DXS controller/transmitter with industry-leading DSMX® 2.4GHz technology for reliable control without interference
Complete your product
This product may require additional items in order to work out of the box. See below for required items that may be needed to complete.
In The Box
- (1) E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m
- (1) Brushless Outrunner Motor (installed)
- (1) 30A Brushless Telemetry-Capable ESC (installed)
- (3) 13g Digital Metal-Geared Servos (installed)
- (1) 37g Servo (installed)
- (1) Spektrum™ 3230 Flight Controller (installed)
- (1) Spektrum 4650C Serial Receiver (installed)
- (1) Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX® Transmitter
- (1) Product Manual
Needed to Complete
- (1) 3S 11.1V 3200–4000mAh LiPo battery with EC3™ or IC3® connector*
- (1) Compatible LiPo Charger*
- *The recommended Spektrum™ Powerstage 3 bundle (SPMXPSA300) includes a compatible 3S 4000mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and S120 USB-C Smart charger that can be used with a variety of USB power sources.
Introduction
The E-flite® Apprentice® STS 1.5m is based on one of the best platforms ever designed for learning to fly radio-controlled (RC) airplanes—the legendary Apprentice S 15e. That model's large size made it an ideal choice for better visibility and the ability to handle more wind while learning to fly at an RC club flying field, and its inherently stable design plus exclusive SAFE® (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology make it easy to fly successfully—especially with the help of an instructor. The Apprentice STS (Smart Trainer with SAFE) 1.5m is a modern-day evolution of the world's favorite club trainer that includes all the same great features while adding Smart technology compatibility along with the option to add SAFE Plus® GPS-enabled technology and the Landing Assist Sensor (LAS), to make learning to fly easier—and more fun—than ever before!
Features
- Based on one of the best platforms ever designed for learning to fly radio-controlled (RC) airplanes—the Apprentice S 15e
- Perfect for first-time pilots, experienced pilots that teach others to fly, and club training programs
- Official Trainer of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and many clubs worldwide
- The ideal choice for new pilots when learning to fly with an instructor at an RC flying field
- Equipped with exclusive SAFE® technology that helps prevent crashes and makes it easy to learn how to fly
- Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes you can easily change between at the flip of a switch
- Panic Recovery mode at the push of a button to prevent loss of control and crashes
- Easily upgrade to SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology to add AutoLand, Virtual Fence, and Holding Pattern features
- Optional and easy to install Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) available for smoother landings
- Includes almost everything needed to fly except for a compatible LiPo battery and charger
- Spektrum™ DXS controller/transmitter with industry-leading DSMX® 2.4GHz technology for reliable control without interference
- Use a 3S 3200mAh battery for outstanding performance overall, or a 3S 4000mAh battery for longer flight times up to 20–30+ minutes
- Powerful and efficient brushless power system including a 30A telemetry-capable ESC
- Factory-installed servos, Spektrum flight controller, and serial receiver
- 4-channel control with four servos for training to full aerobatic capability
- Capable of aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, and upside down (inverted) flight
- Wide-stance tricycle landing gear with steerable nose wheel
- Quick and easy assembly—no glue or special tools required
- Durable EPO construction that's tough yet lightweight
- Full line of replacement/spare parts available
- Optional floats available for flying from water (sold separately)
- Practice flying this aircraft in the RealFlight® RC flight simulator (sold separately)
The Smartest And Best Club Trainer – Ever!
E-flite® took the world's favorite club trainer and made it SMARTER with the Apprentice® STS (Smart Trainer with SAFE) 1.5m. Based on one of the best platforms ever designed for learning to fly radio-controlled (RC) airplanes, its large size and 1.5 meter (59.0 inch) wingspan offer better visibility and the ability to handle more wind while learning to fly at an RC club flying field. Its inherently stable design plus SAFE® (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology featuring Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes make it easy to fly successfully, especially with the help of an instructor. Best of all, it has the option to upgrade to SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology offering features such as AutoLand and Virtual Fence, plus the option to install the Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) that automatically "flares" for smoother landings to make learning to fly—and to land safely—easier than ever! The tricycle landing gear makes it possible to take off from and land on a variety of surfaces, including grass, dirt, paved runway, and other suitable surfaces, or you can install the optional floats to fly from water. Plus, it's equipped with a 30-amp telemetry-capable ESC that provides a variety of real-time power system related telemetry data, including motor RPM, current, battery voltage, and more to compatible Spektrum™ AirWare™ equipped transmitters, and even approximate flight battery power remaining via multiple LEDs on the DXS transmitter included with the RTF Basic version. The Apprentice STS 1.5m is the smartest and best club trainer ever, and that makes it perfect for first-time pilots, experienced pilots that teach others to fly, and club training programs alike. It's also the best choice for new pilots seeking a larger trainer that makes it easier to progress into more advanced RC airplanes!
The Ready-To-Fly (RTF) Basic version includes everything needed to fly in one box except for a battery and charger. This allows you to choose a convenient and money-saving Spektrum™ Powerstage bundle or the separate battery and charger you prefer. Plus, the included Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz transmitter can be used with other Bind-N-Fly® (BNF) and BNF Basic aircraft after you learn to fly successfully! A BNF Basic version is also available for experienced pilots who want to use their favorite Spektrum transmitter along with batteries and chargers they may already own. For both versions, the powerful and efficient brushless power system, including a telemetry-capable ESC, flight controller, receiver, and servos, is factory-installed in the durable EPO airframe that assembles quickly and easily without the need for glue or special tools.
And the fun doesn't stop after you learn how to fly! In the Experienced Mode, the Apprentice STS can perform aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, inverted (upside down) flight, and more. You can even use the same DXS transmitter that's included with the RTF Basic version, along with the same battery and charger you use for the Apprentice, to fly a variety of BNF Basic version "Next Step" aircraft including the E-flite® T-28 Trojan 1.2m, the Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m and others!
You can also purchase the RealFlight Trainer Edition RC Flight Simulator and a Spektrum WS2000 Wireless Simulator Dongle (sold separately) to fly this and other models using the transmitter included with the RTF Basic version. The simulator features many of the most popular Horizon Hobby trainer aircraft and built-in Virtual Flight Instructor lessons. This helps new pilots learn to fly successfully by practicing on a PC at home or on a laptop just about anywhere else!
Video Overview
Flight Talk
Ready-To-Fly Basic Flexibility
This Ready-To-Fly (RTF) Basic version includes a Spektrum™ DXS controller/transmitter equipped with industry-leading DSMX® 2.4GHz technology and everything you need to fly except for a rechargeable lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery and charger for the airplane. The convenient and money-saving Spektrum™ Powerstage 3 bundle (SPMXPSA300) includes a compatible 3S 4000mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and an S120 USB-C Smart charger that can be used with a variety of USB power sources. Or you can choose the separate 3S 3200–4000mAh battery and compatible charger you prefer!
Telemetry Capable
The Apprentice STS 1.5m is equipped with a telemetry-capable ESC that can provide a variety of real-time power system-related telemetry data to compatible transmitters. This includes approximate flight battery power remaining via multiple LEDs and audible alerts from the DXS transmitter included with the RTF Basic version. It will also provide motor RPM, current, overall battery voltage, and more to Spektrum AirWare™ equipped transmitters (including the DX6e and 8e, DX6 G2/G3 and 8 G2, the DX9, the NX6, 8 and 10, the iX12, iX20, and others) while you fly.
Durable Design
Construction with advanced EPO material delivers a lightweight yet durable airframe that's tough enough to handle everyday flying punishment without getting bent out of shape. The wing attaches to the fuselage with rubber bands to twist or "pop" free in the event of a hard landing or crash to minimize damage. And in the unfortunate event you damage any airframe parts or components and can't repair them, a full line of replacement parts is readily available.
Easy Assembly
The Apprentice STS 1.5m arrives mostly factory-assembled with the power system, flight controller, receiver, and servos installed. All you need to do is finish some quick and easy final assembly without glue or special tools, and you'll be ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery!
Capable Gear
The wide-stance tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel offers improved ground handling for easier take-offs and landings on a wide variety of surfaces, from paved runways to grass and even dirt.
Optional Floats
Turn the Apprentice STS 1.5m into a floatplane with the optional float set (EFLA550; sold separately). Installation takes just a few minutes, and all the necessary hardware is included with the airplane and float set.
Optional Landing Assist Sensor for Smoother Landings
The Spektrum Landing Assist Sensor (SPMA3180; sold separately) is easy to install and provides automatic "flare" control to help inexperienced pilots "grease" landings by minimizing or eliminating bouncing.
Easily Upgrade to SAFE® Plus GPS-Enabled Technology
With quick and easy installation of the optional Spektrum GPS Module (SPMA3173; sold separately), you can add next-level autonomous guidance features that make it even easier to learn to fly. With SAFE Plus added, you get:
AutoLand
Activated by simply holding down a button, the advanced AutoLand function puts the airplane on a stabilized approach to land on its own near the GPS initialization point. You can even provide some directional guidance to avoid obstacles or to adjust the approach while letting the system do the rest to execute a safe landing. As your skills progress and you gain more confidence, you can take over more control inputs, eventually learning to land without any assistance from the automated system.
Holding Pattern
This beneficial SAFE Plus-exclusive feature allows you to "pause" the flight by putting the airplane into a GPS-guided holding pattern. When activated with the quick press of a button, the aircraft will automatically return to a position above the GPS initialization point and circle until the command is canceled with another quick press of the button. It's a great way to safely hand the controls off to a friend or regain visual contact if you ever lose sight of the model.
Virtual Fence
It's easy to accidentally let an RC airplane fly too far away, but with Virtual Fence, worry no more! It creates an invisible boundary the airplane won't fly past. When the plane reaches this boundary, it will automatically turn around and fly back toward the GPS initialization point. Then it will "wag" the wings to let you know when you have control again.
Flight School Qualifying Trainer
This trainer model qualifies for use in the Horizon Hobby Flight School. As a trainer, this plane needs minimal preparation to be flight-ready. It also includes SAFE® (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology to help new pilots control their models. Purchase this item along with a three-month AMA trial membership to get started. More information can be found here!
If this is your first RC airplane, Horizon Hobby-exclusive SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology prevents over-control and crashing while also offering multiple flight modes to deliver more control and capabilities as your skills progress:
Beginner Mode
Pitch and bank angle limits prevent over-control that can result in a loss of orientation and crashes. When the control sticks are released the airplane returns to level flight on its own. Best of all takeoffs are as simple as giving full throttle and letting the airplane fly off the ground or by giving it a quick hand launch.
Intermediate Mode
More freedom in pitch and bank, but still prevents over-control and does not return to level flight on its own. This mode allows you to make tighter turns and to climb and descend faster as your skills advance. Beginner mode automatically activates and returns the airplane to level flight when the airplane descends below approximately 30 feet above ground level and the sticks are released.
Experienced Mode
No pitch or bank angle limits so you have complete control! You can even fly inverted (upside down) and perform aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, stall turns and more. Panic Recovery Mode can be activated by switching to Beginner Mode and releasing the sticks.
Panic Recovery
If you ever lose control of the airplane in the more advanced control modes simply switch to Beginner Mode and release the control sticks. SAFE® technology will automatically return the airplane to level flight.
Product Specifications
| Charger | Sold Separately |
| Receiver | Included |
| Power Type | Electric |
| Servos | Included |
| Skill Level | Level 1 |
| Wingspan | 59.02" (1499 mm) |
| Completion Level | Ready-To-Fly Basic |
| Propeller Size | 11 x 8 Electric |
| Recommended Motor Battery | 3S 11.1V 3200–4000mAh LiPo with EC3™ or IC3™ Connector |
| Product Weight | 59oz (1672g) |
| Radio | Included |
| Technology | Smart, AS3X and SAFE |
| Approximate Assembly Time | Less than 1 Hour |
| Flaps | No |
| Material | EPO |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Speed Control | Included |
| Battery | Sold Separately |
| Product Length | 42.52" (1080 mm) |
| Connector Type | EC3 |
| Motor Size | BL15 840kv 12-Pole |