Product Description
Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE
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
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Flight Talk
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
