Overview
The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE is an exciting evolution of the world's favourite club trainer, bringing modern technology and ease-of-use to RC aircraft training. Based on the legendary Apprentice S 15e platform, this ready-to-fly RC aeroplane combines proven stability with cutting-edge Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope (SAFE) technology to make learning to fly easier than ever before. Whether you're a first-time pilot, an experienced instructor, or running a club training programme, this brushless RC trainer delivers the perfect balance of capability and accessibility. The 1.5-metre wingspan provides excellent visibility and wind-handling characteristics, making it the ideal choice for pilots progressing from nothing to genuine RC flying skills at your local flying field.
The Apprentice STS represents a quantum leap forward for RC training aircraft in the UK and beyond. Its inherently stable design, combined with three progressive flight modes—Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced—allows pilots to develop skills at their own pace. The aircraft is equipped with a telemetry-capable 30A brushless ESC, factory-installed flight controller, and precision servos, meaning you can start flying within the hour. The RTF Basic package includes the Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter and everything needed except a 3S LiPo battery and charger, giving you complete flexibility to choose power solutions that suit your needs and budget. This ready-to-run RC plane is also smart-ready out of the box, meaning you can upgrade to SAFE Plus GPS technology and a Landing Assist Sensor later if you wish to add even more autonomous features.
What truly sets this brushless RC trainer apart is its versatility and future-proofing. The included Spektrum DXS transmitter works not just with this aircraft but with other Bind-N-Fly aircraft, extending your investment across multiple models. The durable EPO foam construction withstands everyday flying punishment, whilst the quick-assembly design means minimal preparation before flight. Optional floats are available separately for water operations, and a full line of replacement parts ensures your trainer remains airworthy for years of use. For pilots serious about mastering RC flight, the Apprentice STS 1.5m is the smartest and best club trainer available today.
Key Features
- SAFE Technology with Multiple Flight Modes — The Horizon Hobby-exclusive SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) system prevents over-control and crashing whilst offering Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes that you can switch between at the flip of a switch, allowing your skills to progress naturally and safely.
- Panic Recovery Function — At the push of a button, the Panic Recovery mode helps prevent loss of control and crashes, giving you peace of mind during learning flights and recovery options if you lose orientation.
- Large 1.5 Metre Wingspan — The 59-inch wingspan provides superior visibility during flight and excellent wind-handling characteristics, making it easier to see your aircraft at distance and maintain control in moderate wind conditions at your RC club.
- Smart-Ready with Telemetry-Capable ESC — The 30A brushless ESC provides real-time telemetry data including motor RPM, current draw, battery voltage, and approximate flight battery power remaining via LEDs and audible alerts on the DXS transmitter, allowing you to monitor your aircraft's performance in real-time.
- Factory-Installed Brushless Power System — The brushless outrunner motor and ESC arrive pre-installed and configured, eliminating complex setup and allowing you to focus on flying rather than building, with a system that's efficient, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free.
- Four-Channel Control with Aerobatic Capability — Four precision servos (three 13-gram digital metal-geared servos plus one 37-gram servo) provide full control authority for loops, rolls, inverted flight, and other aerobatic manoeuvres once you've mastered the basics.
- Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX Transmitter — Industry-leading 2.4GHz DSMX technology provides reliable control without interference, and the included transmitter works with multiple BNF (Bind-N-Fly) aircraft, allowing you to expand your fleet without purchasing additional transmitters.
- Wide-Stance Tricycle Landing Gear — The steerable nose wheel and wide landing gear stance provide improved ground handling and make take-offs and landings easier on a variety of surfaces including paved runways, grass, and dirt.
- Glue-Free Quick Assembly — The airframe assembles in less than one hour with no glue or special tools required, allowing you to get airborne quickly without the hassle of traditional model aircraft construction.
- Durable EPO Foam Construction — Advanced EPO material delivers a lightweight yet durable airframe that handles everyday flying punishment without permanent deformation, with the wing attached via rubber bands that pop free on hard landings to minimise damage.
- Optional SAFE Plus GPS Upgrade — Available separately, the Spektrum GPS Module adds AutoLand (automatic approach and landing near the GPS point), Virtual Fence (invisible boundary preventing fly-aways), and Holding Pattern (automated circling whilst you regain control or hand off to a friend).
- Optional Landing Assist Sensor — The Spektrum LAS (sold separately) provides automatic flare control for smoother landings, helping inexperienced pilots achieve consistent touchdowns by minimising bounce and ballooning.
- Optional Water Flying Capability — Float kits are available separately to transform your trainer into a floatplane, with installation taking just minutes using included hardware.
- Full Replacement Parts Availability — A comprehensive line of spare parts is readily available, ensuring your trainer can be repaired or upgraded with ease throughout its flying life.
- RealFlight Simulator Compatibility — You can practise flying this aircraft in the RealFlight RC flight simulator (sold separately) using the included DXS transmitter, complete with virtual flight instructor lessons to accelerate your learning.
Technical Performance
The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m delivers impressive technical specification for a training aircraft. Power comes from a brushless BL15 840 Kv 12-pole outrunner motor driving an 11 x 8 propeller, paired with a 30-ampere brushless ESC featuring telemetry capability. This configuration provides outstanding efficiency and reliability, with smooth power delivery across the flight envelope. The aircraft weighs 1,672 grams (59 ounces) fully equipped, giving it excellent power-to-weight ratio for responsive yet stable flying characteristics. The fuselage measures 1,080 millimetres (42.52 inches) in length with the full 1,499-millimetre (59.02-inch) wingspan providing ample lift and stability. Control surfaces are managed by four precision servos: three 13-gram digital metal-geared models for primary flight control and one 37-gram servo for additional functions. The Spektrum 3230 flight controller integrates seamlessly with the 4650C serial receiver to provide stable, responsive handling. For power, the aircraft requires a 3S 11.1-volt LiPo battery in the 3,200–4,000mAh capacity range with EC3 or IC3 connector compatibility. A 3S 3,200mAh battery delivers outstanding overall performance with manageable weight, whilst upgrading to a 3S 4,000mAh battery extends flight times to 20–30+ minutes, depending on flying style. The durable EPO foam airframe is engineered for longevity and repairability, with rubber-band wing attachment allowing safe separation during hard landings. Assembly requires no glue or specialised tools, completing in under one hour. With the included Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter providing rock-solid control signal reliability, this trainer delivers the engineering excellence expected from a Horizon Hobby product.
What's in the Box
- E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m airframe with pre-installed components
- Brushless outrunner motor (pre-installed)
- 30-ampere brushless telemetry-capable ESC (pre-installed)
- Three 13-gram digital metal-geared servos (pre-installed)
- One 37-gram servo (pre-installed)
- Spektrum 3230 flight controller (pre-installed)
- Spektrum 4650C serial receiver (pre-installed)
- Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter
- Product manual
What You Need to Complete
- One 3S 11.1-volt 3,200–4,000mAh LiPo battery with EC3 or IC3 connector (required to fly)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (required to charge the battery)
- Optional: Spektrum Powerstage 3 bundle (SPMXPSA300) which includes a compatible 3S 4,000mAh Smart G2 LiPo battery and S120 USB-C Smart charger that works with various USB power sources
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m suitable for complete beginners? — Absolutely. This aircraft is specifically designed for first-time pilots and is the official trainer of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and many RC clubs worldwide. The SAFE technology actively prevents over-control and crashing, whilst the Beginner flight mode limits pitch and bank angles to keep the aircraft stable. The inherently stable design combined with the large 1.5-metre wingspan makes it forgiving of pilot input mistakes, and the Panic Recovery function provides an emergency recovery option if you lose control.
- What battery does the Apprentice STS 1.5m need? — The aircraft requires one 3S 11.1-volt lithium-polymer (LiPo) battery with a capacity between 3,200 and 4,000 milliamp-hours. The connector must be either EC3 or IC3 type. For optimal balance, a 3S 3,200mAh battery provides excellent overall performance, whilst stepping up to a 3S 4,000mAh battery extends flight time to 20–30+ minutes depending on your flying style. Spektrum's Powerstage 3 bundle includes a compatible 3S 4,000mAh Smart G2 battery with an S120 USB-C charger.
- Can I upgrade this trainer with additional features later? — Yes. The Apprentice STS is designed for upgradability. You can add SAFE Plus GPS-enabled technology (Spektrum GPS Module, sold separately) to unlock AutoLand, Virtual Fence, and Holding Pattern features. The optional Landing Assist Sensor (SPMA3180, sold separately) adds automatic flare capability for smoother landings. You can also install optional floats (EFLA550, sold separately) to fly from water. All these upgrades install quickly without requiring aircraft disassembly.
- How long does assembly take? — Approximately less than one hour. The aircraft arrives mostly factory-assembled with the motor, ESC, flight controller, receiver, and servos all pre-installed and configured. Final assembly requires no glue or special tools, just straightforward component attachment to get you flying quickly.
- Can I use the transmitter with other aircraft? — Yes. The included Spektrum DXS 2.4GHz transmitter works with Bind-N-Fly (BNF) and BNF Basic aircraft from E-flite, allowing you to expand your fleet whilst reusing the same transmitter. This significantly reduces the cost of purchasing additional aircraft, as you won't need another transmitter.
- What is SAFE technology and how does it help me learn? — SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) is Horizon Hobby's exclusive stability-assistance system. It uses onboard sensors to prevent over-control and crashing by limiting pitch and bank angles in Beginner mode, progressively relaxing those limits in Intermediate mode, and offering unrestricted control in Experienced mode. Panic Recovery at the push of a button automatically returns the aircraft to level flight if you lose orientation, providing a safety net while you build confidence.
- What is the difference between this RTF Basic version and other Apprentice versions? — The RTF Basic version includes the Spektrum DXS transmitter and all factory-installed electronics, but requires you to purchase a compatible 3S LiPo battery and charger separately. A BNF Basic version is also available for pilots who already own a Spektrum transmitter and batteries. The RTF Basic offers flexibility in battery choice and provides better value if you don't yet own compatible power solutions, whilst the BNF Basic suits experienced pilots upgrading from existing aircraft.
- Is this aircraft waterproof? — Whilst the electronics are reasonably protected by the EPO foam airframe, the aircraft is not fully waterproof. However, optional floats are available for water landings and take-offs, transforming it into a floatplane for operations from water surfaces like lakes or ponds.
- How does the telemetry system work? — The 30-ampere ESC includes telemetry capability that transmits real-time power system data to compatible transmitters. The included DXS transmitter displays approximate battery power remaining via LEDs and audible alerts during flight. If you use a Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitter (DX6e, DX8e, DX6 G2/G3, DX8 G2, DX9, NX6, NX8, NX10, iX12, iX20, or others), you'll receive detailed telemetry including motor RPM, current draw, overall battery voltage, and more, allowing precise monitoring of your aircraft's systems during flight.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Basic Smart Trainer with SAFE today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
