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

Are you looking for a reliable entry-level aircraft for your first steps in the world of RC flying? The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer with SAFE could be the right model for you. As a further development of the world's popular "Club" trainer, this model offers innovative technologies and user-friendly features that make the entry into the RC fly as easy as never before. In this detailed article we analyze all aspects of this training aircraft, from technical specifications to customer experience and comparisons with competing products.

Technical data at a glance

E-flite's Smart Trainer convinces with solid technical data that makes it an ideal companion for beginners:

The revolutionary SAFE technology for beginners

The heart of the Apprentice Smart Trainer is the exclusive SAFE technology (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) that significantly simplifies learning the RC fly. This technology offers three different flight modes that perfectly adapt to the development of your pilot skills:

Beginner mode: In this mode extreme flight maneuvers are prevented. The model cannot be overdriven and automatically returns to a stable, horizontal flight position when the control billets are released. The angles of inclination are limited, which prevents crashes due to excessively extreme maneuvers.

Advanced mode: Here the boundaries are expanded to allow more demanding flight maneuvers, while still a certain degree of stabilization remains activated. Perfect if you want to expand your skills.

Experienced mode: For pilots who have already gained safety in handling the aircraft. There are no artificial limitations, full control is in your hands, while AS3X technology ensures precise flight behavior.

In addition, the trainer has a panic button that can be activated immediately in critical situations. With a push of a button, the aircraft is automatically returned to a stable, horizontal flight position – a real safety net for beginners.

Upgrade by SAFE Plus and Landing Assist

A special advantage of the E-flite Apprentice STS model is the possibility to upgrade to SAFE Plus with GPS functionality. This extension adds three valuable features:

AutoLand: The aircraft can automatically return to the starting position with a push of a button – ideal for emergencies or when the battery goes down.

Virtual Fence: This function defines invisible boundaries for the flight area. The model cannot exceed these predefined limits, which prevents beginners from flying too far and possibly losing their plane.

Holding Pattern: When activated, the aircraft automatically flies into circles above the starting point, which gives time to orient or solve problems.

Customer experiences and reviews

E-flite's Smart Trainer enjoys an excellent reputation in the RC community. The following aspects are particularly appreciated:

Flight stability: Beginners repeatedly praise the impressive stability in the flight. The SAFE technology makes it possible for absolute beginners to gain success experiences even during the first flight.

Robustness: The EPO material proves to be surprisingly resistant to minor crashes and landing accidents – an important property for a starter model.

Learning curve: Many users report that they were able to switch from beginners to advanced mode within a few weeks, which speaks for the effective learning methodology of the system.

Longevity: Numerous customer reviews highlight the long life of the model, making it a valuable investment.

A common feedback from the community is: "Had I just started using this model instead of wasting money for cheaper alternatives that quickly break."

Performance data from tests and practice

Flight time

With the recommended 3S 11,1V 3200mAh LiPo battery, the Apprentice Smart Trainer reaches flight times of 10-15 minutes, depending on the flight style. With moderate flying without frequent solid gas phases, up to 18 minutes can even be achieved. With the optional 4000mAh battery, the flight time is extended to impressive 15-20 minutes.

Increased power

The powerful brushless motor ensures a considerable rise. From the stand, the model reaches a height of 50 meters in about 5-7 seconds. These power reserves are especially important for beginners as they enable quick response in critical situations.

Range

The spectrum DSMX technology offers a reliable range of over 500 meters. However, the practical flight range is clearly below, as the model is difficult to detect and control for beginners at a greater distance.

Material quality and processing

The E-flite Apprentice STS uses high-quality EPO foam material that is characterized by a good balance of lightness, stability and flexibility. Compared to cheaper models with simple polystyrene, EPO offers significantly better properties:

Flexibility: The material indicates impact rather than breaking, which significantly increases the chances of survival in smaller accidents.

Surface quality: The smooth, sealed surface is more resistant to scratches and wear.

Reinforcements: Additional reinforcements made of more stable materials are integrated at critical points such as the surface connections and the suspension.

The processing quality of the pre-installed components such as servos, motors and cabling corresponds to the high standard that can be expected from E-flite products. In particular, the metal transmission servos stand out from cheaper plastic alternatives to start-up models and promise a longer service life.

Transportability and Storage

With a span of just under 1.5 meters, the trainer is not a compact model, but can still be transported well. The support surfaces can be removed for transport or storage, which considerably reduces the space requirement. The removal and re-attachment of the support surfaces is done within 2-3 minutes thanks to the carefully designed plug-in system.

For regular transport it is recommended to purchase a suitable carrying bag or a special RC aircraft case that offers additional protection.

Spare parts supply

An important aspect for long-term use is the availability of spare parts. Here the E-flite Apprentice STS scores with a well-developed network:

• Almost all parts are available separately
• Worldwide sales network through Horizon Hobby
• Good availability in specialized model construction shops and online shops
• Long-term spare parts supply thanks to the popularity of the model

The most common spare parts are propellers, wheels of the chassis and occasionally servos. These parts are standardized and can also be purchased by third-party providers, which reduces costs.

Target group and application scenarios

The Apprentice Trainer is aimed primarily at the following target groups:

Absolute beginners: Thanks to SAFE technology, this is one of the best models for first contact with RC aircraft.

Restarter: Pilots who want to get back to the hobby after a longer break benefit from the stabilization technology.

Associations and flight schools: As an official trainer of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the model is often used in associations for training purposes.

Flyers: The robust design and easy handling make the trainer also interesting for pilots who only occasionally fly.

Construction and Guidance

One of the major advantages of the E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer is the low installation effort. The "Ready-To-Fly" (RTF) model comes with pre-installed electronic components. The assembly is limited to:

1. Attaching the supporting surfaces to the fuselage
2. Mounting of the height control unit
3. Installation of the chassis
4. Connecting the servo cables
5. Inserting the battery

The entire assembly time is about 30-45 minutes for beginners. Experienced model builders can make the aircraft ready for flight in 15-20 minutes.

The accompanying guide is well structured and contains detailed illustrations for each step. The additional sections are particularly helpful:

• Basic flying principles
• Declaration of SAFE technology
• Settings of the transmitter
• Tips for the first flight
• Maintenance instructions

Community support and resources

An active community has developed around the E-flite Apprentice, offering valuable support:

Online forums: On platforms such as RC Groups, RC Universe and FPV Community, there are special threads for apprentice with thousands of posts.

YouTube tutorials: Numerous videos demonstrate flight maneuvers, repairs and modification possibilities.

Local associations: Many model airlines use the Apprentice as a training device and offer support for newcomers.

Manufacturer support: Horizon Hobby offers extensive support resources, including spare parts service and technical assistance.

This strong community support is an essential advantage over less widespread models and can significantly accelerate the learning process.

Alternative products in comparison

To provide a comprehensive overview, we compare the E-flite Smart Trainer with its main competitors:

HobbyZone Carbon Cub S+ 1.3m

Advantages:

• slightly more compact size (1.3m span)
• Realistic scale design of a bush aircraft
• Also equipped with SAFE+ technology

Cons:

• Low wind stability due to lighter weight
• Less space for camera equipment or modifications
• Higher price for comparable equipment

FMS Trainer 1400mm

Advantages:

• Cheaper than the Apprentice STS
• Robust construction
• Good spare parts supply

Cons:

• Less advanced stabilisation systems
• Not RTF, but PNP (Plug-and-Play) – Transmitter and receiver must be bought separately
• No GPS features available

TopRC Trainer 800

Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper
• Very compact (800mm span)
• Extremely lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Limited flight stability in wind
• Shorter flight time due to smaller batteries
• Simpler electronics without advanced stabilization technology
• Limited growth perspective for advanced pilots

The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer stands out from its competitors thanks to its combination of advanced technology, optimal size for stability and visibility and comprehensive support and spare parts supply.

Value for money

The Apprentice Smart Trainer is not a bargain with a price ranging from 350 to 450 euros depending on the dealer and equipment variant. However, the investment is based on:

Longevity: The high-quality construction and robust materials ensure a significantly longer service life than with cheaper alternatives.

Learning efficiency: Advanced SAFE technology significantly reduces the learning curve and minimises costly repairs by crashing.

Value stability: E-flite products keep their value comparatively good, which positively influences the resale value.

Growth potential: The model grows with the pilot's skills and remains a reliable aircraft even after the beginner stage.

Many beginners, who initially take advantage of cheaper alternatives, spend more money in the long term, as they often switch to higher-quality models after damage or dissatisfaction with the flight characteristics. The direct entry with the Apprentice can therefore be the cheaper option in the long term.

Tips, tricks and optimizations

Flight optimizations

Focus fine tuning: The centre of gravity set at work is designed for maximum stability. With increasing experience, a slight rearward shift (5-10mm) can provide more agile flight behavior.

Adjust rudder fittings: In advanced mode, the rudder deflections can be incrementally increased in order to improve manoeuvrability.

Propeller upgrade: A change to an 11x7 propeller can improve the rise performance, but is at the expense of the maximum speed.

Technical improvements

Battery upgrade: A Smart-LiPo battery with 4000mAh significantly extends flight time and provides precise telemetry data for battery capacity.

Improving chassis: Installation of larger wheels (2.5" instead of standard 2.25") improves start and landing properties on uneven surfaces such as lawns.

retrofitting lighting: LED strips on the wings and on the hull allow flights in twilight and improve orientation.

Maintenance tips

Regular checks: All screw connections, in particular on the support surfaces and on the chassis, should be checked before each flight.

Motor maintenance: After 20-30 flights, it is recommended to clean the engine and control the bearings.

Battery care: LiPo batteries should never be completely discharged. Ideal is storage at about 50% charge and regular reload every 2-3 months at longer flight breaks.

Frequent questions and problems

"My plane moves to the left/right. What can I do?"

This can have several causes:

• Check the trim at the transmitter
• Check if all rows are mechanically in neutral position
• Make sure the focus is correctly positioned
• With strong wind, natural drifting can occur

"How long does the battery last on average?"

With normal use and care, a high-quality 3S LiPo battery can survive about 150-200 charging cycles before significant capacity reduction occurs. This corresponds to about 1-2 years of use for regular flying.

"Can I fly wind with the Apprentice STS?"

Thanks to the relatively high weight and the stable flight characteristics, the trainer can easily escape up to wind strengths of about 15-20 km/h. For beginners, however, it is recommended to carry out the first flights in wind stills or only light winds.

"The SAFE technology does not work properly. What do?"

Common causes are:

• Incorrect calibration of the aircraft (refer to horizontal alignment when switching on)
• Weak batteries in the transmitter
• Interferences by metallic objects in the vicinity

A new calibration solves the problem in most cases.

"Can I upgrade the Apprentice later?"

Absolutely. Popular upgrades are:

• Powerful motors
• FPV Systems (First Person View)
• Telemetry modules for extended flight data
• GPS modules for the SAFE Plus functionality

"Is the model suitable for art flight?"

In the basic configuration, the Apprentice STS is not designed for demanding art flight. In expert mode, however, basic art flight figures such as loopings, roles and turns are possible. More specialised models are recommended for advanced art flight.

Conclusion: For whom is the E-flite Apprentice STS suitable?

The E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m RTF Smart Trainer with SAFE technology is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a smooth and stress-free entry into the RC fly. The combination of advanced stabilization technology, robust design and comprehensive support makes it one of the best training aircraft on the market.

Especially for absolute beginners, newcomers and model flight instructors, this model offers invaluable added value through its fault-giving flight characteristics and automatic safety features. The ability to change between different flight modes allows continuous growth with their own skills.

Even if the purchase price is higher than in some starter models, the longevity, the quality of the components and the well-thought-out overall concept justify this investment. E-flite's Smart Trainer is not only a beginner model, but a reliable companion for many years of flight pleasure.