Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

Name: Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE
Brand: E-flite
SKU: EFL3750
Price: 269.99 USD
Availability: InStock

EFL3750

Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

EFL3750

$269.99 ~~Price reduced from $349.99 to~~

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Product Details

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Manuals & Support

Introduction

The E-flite^® Apprentice^® STS 1.5m is based on one of the very 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 made it easy to fly successfully—especially with the help of an instructor. The Apprentice STS 1.5m is a modern-day evolution of the world's favorite club trainer that includes all the same great features while adding Smart components including an ESC, battery and charger (battery and charger sold separately for the BNF^® Basic version), along with the option to add SAFE Plus^® GPS-enabled technology and the all-new 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
Exclusive SAFE^® technology from Horizon Hobby makes it easy to learn to fly
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
Factory-installed servos, Spektrum flight controller and serial receiver
Powerful and efficient brushless power system including a Smart ESC
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
Optional floats available for flying from water
Practice flying this aircraft in the RealFlight^® simulator

Overview

E-flite^® took the world's favorite club trainer and made it SMARTER with the Apprentice^® STS 1.5m. Based on one of the very best platforms ever designed for learning to fly radio controlled (RC) airplanes, its large size and 1.5 meter (59.0 inch) wingspan offers 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 makes it easy to fly successfully, especially with the help of an instructor. The addition of exclusive Spektrum™ Smart components including a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery and charger make it more convenient to charge properly and safely (battery and charger sold separately for the BNF^® Basic version). And best of all it now has the option to upgrade to SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology that offers features such as AutoLand and Virtual Fence, plus the option to install the all-new Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) that automatically "flares" for smoother landings, to make learning to fly—and to land safely—easier than ever!

The Ready-To-Fly (RTF) version includes everything needed to fly in one box, and is the perfect choice if you're a new RC pilot. From the Spektrum DXe 2.4GHz transmitter you can use with other Bind-N-Fly^® (BNF) and BNF Basic aircraft after you learn to fly the Apprentice STS, to the 3S 3200mAh Smart LiPo battery that delivers long flight times and the convenient S120 USB-C Smart charger that can be used with a variety of USB power sources, there's nothing extra you need to buy or provide! A BNF Basic version is also available for experienced pilots and clubs that want to use their favorite Spektrum transmitter along with batteries and chargers they may already own. And for both versions, the powerful and efficient brushless power system including a Smart ESC, plus the flight controller, receiver and servos, are all 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 1.5m is capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, inverted (upside down) flight and more. You can even install the optional floats to take off from and land on water.

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 for club training programs alike. That's why it's the Official Trainer of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the best choice for new pilots seeking a larger trainer that makes it easier to progress into more advanced RC airplanes!

Needed to Complete

Full-Range 6+ Channel Spektrum™ DSMX^®/DSM2^® Compatible 2.4GHz Transmitter
3200mAh 3S 11.1V LiPo Battery with EC3™ or IC3™ Connector
3S 11.1V LiPo Compatible Charger

What's in the Box?

(1) E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m with:

(1) Brushless Outrunner Motor (installed)
(1) Smart 30A Brushless ESC (installed)
(2) 13-gram Digital and (4) 37-gram Servos (installed)
(1) Spektrum 3230 Flight Controller (installed)
(1) Spektrum 4650 Serial Receiver (installed)

(1) Product Manual

Video Overview

Flight Talk

Optional Landing Assist Sensor for Smoother Landings

The all-new Spektrum Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) is easy to install and provides automatic "flare" control to help inexperienced pilots "grease" landings by minimizing or completely eliminating bouncing (works over many/most surfaces and provides optimum performance when flying over/landing in grass).

Smart Electronic Speed Control (ESC)

The Apprentice STS 1.5m is equipped with an exclusive Smart ESC that can provide a variety of real-time power system related telemetry data including motor RPM, current, battery voltage and more to compatible Spektrum AirWare™ equipped transmitters (including the DX6e and 8e, DX6 and 8 G2, the DX9, iX12 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 so it can 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 the use of 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 float plane 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.

Learn to Fly Successfully with SAFE^® Technology

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

In this flight mode, the airplane has pitch and bank angle limits to prevent over-control that can result in a loss of orientation and crashes. When the control sticks are released, the airplane automatically returns to level flight on its own allowing you to relax and enjoy just 'steering' the airplane through the sky. This flight mode also makes it easier to take off and land.

Intermediate Mode

This flight mode allows more freedom in pitch and bank, but still prevents significant over-control and the airplane does not return to level flight on its own. This allows you to make tighter turns and to climb and descend faster as your skills advance. Also, Beginner Mode automatically activates and returns the airplane to level flight when it descends below approximately 30 feet above ground level and the control sticks are released.

Experienced Mode

In Experienced Mode there are 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 can be activated by switching to Beginner Mode and releasing the control sticks.

Panic Recovery

If you lose control of the airplane in the Intermediate or Experienced flight modes, simply switch to Beginner Mode and release the control sticks. SAFE technology will automatically return the airplane to level flight.

Easily Upgrade to SAFE^® Plus GPS-Enabled Technology

With quick and easy installation of the optional Spektrum GPS Module 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 of the control inputs, eventually learning to land without any assistance from the automated system at all.

Holding Pattern

This very helpful SAFE Plus-exclusive feature essentially 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 airplane will automatically return to a position above the GPS initialization point and circle until the command is cancelled with another quick press of the button. It's a great way to safely hand the controls off to a friend or to 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 airplane 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.

Product Specifications

Specs

Airfoil Shape	Flat bottom
Approximate Assembly Time	Less than 1 Hour
Approximate Flight Time	5 minutes
CG (Center of Gravity)	3.125" (79mm) from leading edge of wing measured at the fuselage
Charger	Sold Separately
Completion Level	Bind-N-Fly Basic
Power Type	Electric
Landing Gear	Prebent wire, tricycle configuration
Minimum Required Radio	Spektrum DXe DSMX 2.4GHz (sold separately)
Motor Size	840kV
Product Length	42.5" (1080mm)
Receiver	Included
Recommended Motor Battery	Smart 11.1V 3S 3200mAh LiPo w/IC3 connector (sold separately)
Servos	Four standard, two micro
Smart Technology	Includes Smart Technology
Speed Control	Included
Transmitter Range	Full
Wing Area	515 sq in (33.2 sq dm)
Wingspan	59" (1500mm)

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Reviews (5)
Questions (0)

Updating Results

08/03/20

Beginneragain

04/26/20

Oversize wheels

I purchased the Eflight Apprentice S 15E in May 2019, after being away from RC flying for about 35 years. I started out by getting the Realflight8 Simulator. I would recommend all new pilots to start with the simulator, as it will save you a lot of money and frustration. After reading several reviews, I figured the Apprentice with Safe mode was a good beginner plane. At first I had a problem with the rear stabilizer assembly with the covering peeling off. Horizon Hobby quickly sent me a replacement assembly.
The plane flies great, but it did not taxi well in grass. It would nose over a lot while taxing on windy days. l then tried 3 inch foam wheels, but they were also too light. I finally tried Dubro 3 ¼ inch 79 gr wheels. I was not sure if the plane would fly as the weight is considerably heavier. As it turned out, the Apprentice S now taxis great and flies great. The take offs and landings are smooth. The extra weight, is now giving the plane a lower center of gravity. I can now fly when the wind is above 5 miles per hour. The added stability has increased my confidence. This is a great trainer plane. If I ever crash it, I will get another one.

On Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

Spiritof I.

09/16/19

Great Plane

Just added the Apprentice to my collection. It is a great plane. Fun and super easy to fly. I bought the BNF version and I had some issues getting it set up, but the folks at Horizon Hobby once again offered the best support anywhere. Once I got everything working properly with my transmitter it performed exactly as I expected. I really like the mini apprentice and the bigger version is just as good. I haven't found better service than Horizon Hobby (not even the local shops). I won't shop anywhere else for RC planes and accessories.

On Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

SlowFlyers

07/30/20

my second trainer plane

my first trainer was the aeroscout. the apprentice is the perfect second for me, I was suppose to wait for the LAS, landing assist sensor, on back order til august. I could not wait that long so I decided to took it out. man, this plane is so smooth on take off, to fly and land I may not need the LAS. the wings have builting slats for slow and smooth flying which help a lot on landing. I also did change out to bigger wheels for better landing.

On Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

Tommy B.

07/25/20

Perfect plane for beginners

After flying nearly 100 planes and teaching myself and others how to fly, I have no doubt that this is the perfect trainer. Even after years of flying, I still enjoy returning to the this plane when I simply want a relaxing flight.

On Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

Foxy

04/09/20

Great Trainer; tips for new pilots

As you might expect, this 2nd generation Apprentice (the STS Ready-To-Fly) is a fantastic trainer or club trainer. It’s so good, I’ll just zoom in on the mechanical problems, to help newbies know what to look out for:
The biggest problem, at least with my RTF version, is the grossly over-restrictive decals where they pass over the hinge lines on the Rudder, Elevator, and Ailerons. On mine, the decals where so tight and so tightly adhered, that there was almost no movement, no throw, in one direction, but “OK” movement in the opposite direction. This will affect flight safety and/or will soon burn out your servos. On the Elevator and Rudder, you can solve this by CAREFULLY cutting a slot through the decals – but ONLY where there is no foam “hinging.” For the ailerons, I just left them alone for now, and will monitor them.
On all new model airplanes, never try to thread a metal screw directly into plastic without first “pre-threading” the plastic, preferably with a touch of oil. Do this on the two screws that hold the tail surfaces onto the fuselage, and use a good, or a brand-new Phillips or JIS screwdriver. Without pre-threading, you have a chance of messing up and/or cracking the tail assembly.
I suggest you remove the cowling and leave it off for, say, the first 10 battery/flights. This makes it easier to CAREFULLY tighten the nose wheel screw when you install it, and lets you check the temperature of your motor.
The cable from the ESC to the flight battery is still WAY TOO SHORT, and makes it almost impossible to disconnect your battery without causing damage. Either buy a 3” power extension, or take the time to remount the ESC so the existing cord is much easier to access. Also, the provided servo extensions for the ailerons are a bit short, and are difficult to connect if it’s windy outside. Consider buying a longer “Y” extension.
The wiring inside the cockpit is a little wild, and all the wires aren’t taped down properly. Make sure the wires don’t affect the two servos or the steering push rod.
The hook-n-loop straps for the battery are still too long, and are often in the way. Trim them about ¼ inch or ½ inch. The battery bay is a little too small for the standard battery; maybe they’ll enlarge it a bit in a future redisign?
There is a thin, plastic floor panel on the rear 1/3rd of the fuselage. Mine came cracked, but it’s not vital. I taped over it. Avoid holding this part of the fuselage due to this weak spot.
My STS Smart charging system takes a bit longer to charge than my other brands of chargers. Also, the SPMXC1020 Smart USB charger is not clearly marked as to output polarity; I could see a new hobbyist try to plug the balance plug in upside-down. Horizon decided to go with a “branded” color-scheme for the wires on the Smart equipment rather than red for + and black for (-).
Balance your prop(s). And, thoroughly identify your aircraft with your Name, Phone number, AMA member number, and your FAA ID number on the outside BEFORE you fly.
Since this is a trainer, and a good one, why doesn’t Horizon start MOLDING-IN the Center of Gravity into the bottom of the wings of its trainers, or all its planes, for that matter?
Always have a spare (balanced) prop, prop wrench, and 8 new rubber bands with you.
The instructions are pretty good, although sometimes a little tough to read due to font size or very light printing. However, you do need to read and study them to get all the info you’ll need. The new technologies that are offered are great, but they require doing your homework.

On Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

Apprentice STS 1.5m BNF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE

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