The ultimate guide to E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer

Are you looking for a reliable entry-level model for your first flight tests or would you like to teach others to fly? The Apprentice STS Smart Trainer from E-flite could be the right model for you. In this detailed article you will learn all the information about this popular RC flyer, from technical details to practical experience and optimization possibilities.

Technical data at a glance

The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer with SAFE (EFL3700) is a further development of the world's popular club trainer and has been specially designed for beginners. Here you can find all important technical data at a glance:

The model kit comes as a RTF version (Ready-To-Fly), which means that almost all necessary components are already included in the delivery. Only a suitable flight battery must be purchased separately. The assembly time is less than one hour, which makes the entry particularly simple.

Customer experiences and reviews

Perfect for beginners

Most customers agree: E-flite’s premium trainer is ideal for RC newcomers. SAFE technology (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) receives positive evaluations as it significantly facilitates entry. It allows three different flight modes:

• Beginner mode: Strong limitation of tax cuts, automatic stabilization
• Advanced mode: Medium limit, less stabilization
• Experienced mode: Full control without limitations

A frequent customer feedback is: "After only a few flights, I could safely start, fly and land." The intuitive control and the self-stabilization function are particularly praised.

Durability and repairability

Many users report positively on the robustness of the EPO foam. The apprentice STS Smart Trainer usually stands out for a smaller crash without significant damage. In the case of major accidents, a further advantage is shown: The repair is usually easily possible with commercial foam adhesive. The modular design also allows easy replacement of damaged components.

A customer describes: "After a violent crash, I only had to replace the spider and one wing - everything else remained intact. The repair was easily feasible for me as a newbie."

Test results and flight properties

Flight behaviour

In professional tests, the E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer regularly cuts with best scores. The combination of balanced design and electronic aid systems ensures predictable and good-natured flight behavior. Especially in beginners mode, the trainer also forgives coarser control errors.

Flight time and range

With a recommended 3S 3200-4000mAh LiPo battery, the trainer reaches average flight times:

• 12-15 minutes in dynamic flight style
• Up to 20 minutes with quiet sliding

The range of spectrum remote control is over 500 meters, which is more than sufficient for beginners. Experienced pilots report that the pilot reacts reliably even at significantly greater distances.

Increased power and speed

The built-in Brushless engine offers sufficient power reserves:

• Rate: approx. 3-4 m/s at full gas
• Maximum speed: about 80-90 km/h in experienced mode
• Also well controllable for wind up to 15 km/h

A tester summarizes: "The motorization is perfectly balanced - strong enough for impressive climbing flights, but not so overpowered that beginners would be overwhelmed."

Material quality and processing

The Apprentice Smart Trainer consists mainly of EPO foam (Expanded polyolefin), a lightweight but durable material. Compared to conventional polystyrene, EPO is significantly more flexible and more resistant to breakage.

The components are consistently high:

• Precise Metal Transmission Servos
• High Quality Brushless Outer Motor
• Long-lived 30A controller with telemetry function

Clean processing is particularly positive. Columns and transitions are minimal, the surface is evenly painted, and all moving parts are mounted without play.

Transport and storage

Due to the span of about 1.5 meters, the trainer is not a compact model, but can still be transported well. The support surfaces are removable and are fastened to the hull with only two screws. Thus, the disassembled flyer fits easily into the trunk of a middle class car.

Recommended for storage:

• Storage in a dry room
• Disassembly of the support surfaces to save space
• Removal of the battery (important for safety!)
• Use of a stand or suspension to avoid pressure points

Spare parts supply and support

E-flite is an established brand in the RC sector, and the spare part supply for the Apprentice STS 1.5m is excellent. Almost all components are available individually:

• Bearings and guides
• Engine and controller
• Servos and linkages
• Small parts like spider and propeller
• Electronic components

Most dealers have common spare parts in stock, and also online they are easy to purchase. In addition, Horizon Hobby, the parent company of E-flite, offers excellent customer service and extensive support materials.

Target group: Who is the trainer suitable for?

The E-flite Apprentice STS is designed primarily for the following user groups:

1. Absolute beginners: The SAFE technology makes entry particularly easy
2. Flight teachers and clubs: Official coach of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
3. Returns: Perfect to find a hobby after a long break
4. Opportunity pilots: Easy handling even in irregular flights

The trainer is not ideal for:

• Advanced pilots who want to fly only acrobatic maneuvers
• Model flyers with very limited budget (there are cheaper entry models)
• People who need a particularly compact model

Construction and Guidance

The model kit of the Apprentice Smart Trainer is largely pre-assembled. The final assembly is limited to:

1. Mounting of the chassis
2. Fastening of the supporting surfaces
3. Installation of the height and side guide
4. Connection and adjustment of the control linkages
5. Inserting the battery and programming the transmitter

The attached guide is well illustrated and easy to understand for beginners. In addition, E-flite provides numerous video tutorials that explain the assembly step by step. Most users report that they were ready in about 30-45 minutes.

Community and online resources

An active community has developed around the popular RC trainer. In numerous forums and social media owners exchange, share experiences and help with problems. Particularly noteworthy are:

• Special Facebook groups with thousands of members
• YouTube channels with tutorials and flight videos
• RC forums with own subareas for the Apprentice

These community resources are particularly valuable for beginners as they provide practical tips that go beyond the manual. In addition, many local model airlines organize special training days with this model.

Alternative models compared

The market for entry-level training aircraft is large. Here is a comparison with the main competitors:

HobbyZone Carbon Cub S+ 1.3m

Advantages over the Apprentice STS:

• A little compact (1.3m instead of 1.5m span)
• Realistic scale optics of a bush aircraft
• Optionally available with floats for water start

Cons:

• Less power reserves
• Something unstable in wind
• Lower maximum flight speed

Volantex TrainStar Ascent

Advantages over the Apprentice STS:

• Significantly cheaper price
• Even easier flight behaviour
• Extremely robust due to reinforced construction

Cons:

• Simpler electronics without smart functions
• No SAFE technology
• Less upgrade options

FMS Trainer 1400mm

Advantages over the Apprentice STS:

• Low price
• Especially detailed scale optics
• Removable electronics for easy maintenance

Cons:

• Less advanced stabilisation systems
• Restricted spare part supply
• Less extensive community support

Direct comparison shows that E-flite's smart trainer is not the cheapest entry-level flyer, but the most balanced overall package offers – especially through the combination of high-quality hardware and advanced assistance systems.

Value for money

With a road price between 350 and 400 euros, the Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer is positioned in the upper middle of the starter models. Given the equipment offered, the value for money is to be assessed as good:

What justifies the price:

• High Quality Components (Brushless-Motor, Digitalservos)
• Advanced SAFE technology with AS3X stabilization
• Includes spectrum DXS remote control
• Excellent spare parts supply
• Comprehensive support

For absolute price-conscious, there are cheaper alternatives, but these rarely provide the same level of support for beginners and long-term value stability.

Tips, tricks and optimizations

For beginners

1. First flight tests:

   • Choose a windy day for the first flight
   • Search a large, non-obstructed area (Ideally a model airfield)
   • Start in beginner mode with switched-on SAFE system
   • Avoid overwhelmed tax movements

2. Battery management:

   • Invest in at least 2-3 batteries for longer flight sessions
   • Use a high-quality balancer load
   • Never store LiPos fully loaded or unloaded
   • Mark your batteries with number and date of commissioning

3. Control technology:

   • First practice simple circles and straight-away flights
   • Learn to control the model both on yourself and away from yourself
   • Exercise landings at a higher altitude before you actually land

For advanced

1. Performance optimization:

   • Upgrade to a 4S battery for more power (requires ESC adjustment)
   • Installation of a more powerful motor (e.g. E-flite Power 15)
   • Switch to a more efficient propeller (11x7 or 12x6)

2. Improve flight properties:

   • Focus easy to move forward for more stability
   • finely adjusting rudder stops in the transmitter
   • Adapt Expo settings for softer control characteristics

3. Optical upgrade:

   • Installation of LED lighting for dawn flights
   • Attach Scale Details (Pilotenfigure, Cockpit Interieur)
   • Individual painting with special EPO color

Frequent questions and solutions

Technical problems

Question: "My Apprentice STS does not rise properly, although the battery is full. What can I do?"

Solution: Check the following points:

1. Propeller mounted correctly (heading)
2. Battery sufficiently charged and with correct cell number (3S)
3. Focus correctly set (not too far behind)
4. Engine and ESC fixed and error-free

Question: "The controller reacts delayed or unevenly. How do I fix it?"

Solution:

1. Run a range test
2. Check the servo connections on fixed seat
3. Calibration the servos via the transmitter
4. Ensure that there are no interferences from other transmitters

Flight problems

Question: "My model is constantly moving to the left/right in a straight trip. How do I correct this?"

Solution:

1. Check the mechanical neutral position of all rows
2. Use the trim function on the transmitter for fine adjustments
3. Check the support surfaces for distortion or damage
4. With stronger distortion: gently align the wings with heat (moan)

Question: "When landing, the model often jumps up again. How can I land more gently?"

Solution:

1. Reduce the speed of approach more
2. Just before putting on lightly drag on the altar (catch)
3. Land against the wind, not with side wind
4. Apply the landing first on softer ground (high grass)

Maintenance and maintenance

Question: "How often should I check the components of the E-flite Apprentice?"

Solution: Establish a routine before each day of flight:

1. inspection of damage to hull and wings
2. Control of all screw connections on fixed seat
3. Checking servos for function and noise development
4. Control of the propeller on cracks or breakouts
5. After about 50 flights: Complete disassembly and inspection of all components

Question: "How do I best store my coach over a long time?"

Solution:

1. Remove battery and store separately at about 50% charge
2. Disassembled support surfaces to relieve the connection points
3. Protect model from direct sunlight and moisture
4. Ideal storage: In a special transport bag or on a model stand

Conclusion: An excellent entry into the RC flight world

The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer with SAFE technology is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn the RC fly or teach others. The combination of good-natured flight characteristics, advanced assistance systems and high-quality processing makes it an ideal companion on the way to safe pilots.

Although there are cheaper entry-level models on the market, hardly one offers such a thought-out overall package. The excellent spare parts supply, comprehensive community support and upgradeability ensure that this trainer still enjoys after years.

The SAFE technology, which allows for a gentle entry and at the same time with the pilot, is particularly important. From the first flight test to more advanced maneuvers – this premium trainer will accompany you on each stage of your model flyer career.

For whom the investment in the Apprentice Smart Trainer is particularly worthwhile? For those who not only want to get into the air quickly, but also want to enjoy the RC fly in the long term – and value quality, safety and support.