Apprentice STS 1.5m Smart Trainer w/SAFE RTF Basic

An exciting evolution of the world's favorite "club" trainer, the E-flite® Apprentice® STS 1.5m is equipped with SAFE® technology—and can be upgraded with SAFE Plus technology and a Landing Assist Sensor—to make learning to fly easier than ever before!

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




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.

Specifications

Approximate Assembly Time
Less than 1 Hour
Battery
Sold Separately
Charger
Sold Separately
Completion Level
Ready-To-Fly Basic
Connector Type
EC3
Flaps
No
Material
EPO
Motor Size
BL15 840kv 12-Pole
Motor Type
Brushless
Power Type
Electric
Product Length
42.52" (1080 mm)
Product Weight
59oz (1672g)
Propeller Size
11 x 8 Electric
Radio
Included
Receiver
Included
Recommended Motor Battery
3S 11.1V 3200–4000mAh LiPo with EC3™ or IC3™ Connector
Servos
Included
Skill Level
Level 1
Speed Control
Included
Technology
Smart, AS3X and SAFE
Wingspan
59.02" (1499 mm)