E-Flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Trainer Plane

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!

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!

• 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
• Includes everything you need to fly in one box—nothing extra to buy or provide
• Spektrum DXe transmitter with industry-leading DSMX 2.4GHz technology
• Spektrum 3200mAh 3S 11.1V Smart LiPo battery delivers long flight times
• Spektrum S120 Smart charger works with a variety of USB power sources
• 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
• 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.

Airfoil Shape: Flat bottom

Approximate Assembly Time: No assembly required

Approximate Flight Time: 5 minutes

CG (Center of Gravity): 3.125″ (79mm) from leading edge of wing measured at the fuselage

Charger: Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger

Completion Level: Ready-To-Fly

Control Throw – High (Ailerons): 0.91″ (23mm)

Control Throw – High (Elevator): 0.91″ (23mm)

Control Throw – High (Rudder): 1.35″ (35mm)

Control Throw – Low (Ailerons): 0.71″ (18mm)

Control Throw – Low (Elevator): 0.71″ (18mm)

Control Throw – Low (Rudder): 1.10″ (28mm)

Flying Weight: 49oz (1390g)

Landing Gear: Prebent wire, tricycle configuration

Length: 42.5″ (1080mm)

Minimum Required Radio: Spektrum DXe DSMX 2.4GHz included

Minimum Speed Control: Smart 30A Brushless (installed)

Motor Size: 840kV

Recommended Motor Battery: Smart 11.1V 3S 3200mAh LiPo w/IC3 connector included

Servos: Four standard, two micro

Transmitter Range: Full

Wing Area: 515 sq in (33.2 sq dm)

Wingspan: 59″ (1500mm)

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).

Spektrum Smart Battery and Charger:
This RTF version includes a Spektrum 3S 3200mAh Smart LiPo battery that delivers long flight times, plus an S120 USB-C Smart charger that can be used with a variety of USB power sources. Simply connect the battery to the charger, and the exclusive Smart Technology will determine and start charging at the best rate to properly and safely charge the battery automatically.

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.