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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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!