Overview
The HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm BNF Basic with SAFE is the most capable, durable and easiest-to-fly ultra-micro trainer yet, and represents nearly two decades of proven Apprentice design excellence brought down to an ultra-compact size. Scaled down from the incredibly popular Apprentice 1.5m and 1.2m models, this aircraft has been optimised to offer Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities similar to the best-selling E-flite Timber series, making it the perfect choice for first-time RC pilots in the UK who want to learn to fly in smaller spaces. Whether you're flying in your garden, a local park, a sports field or anywhere else space is limited, this 700mm wingspan trainer delivers the proven Apprentice handling characteristics that have made it the go-to traditional trainer for nearly two decades.
This Bind-N-Fly Basic model is ready to use with your existing Spektrum DSMX or SLT transmitter, battery and charger. The aircraft arrives mostly factory-assembled with the brushless power system, servos and dual-protocol receiver already installed, meaning you can be flying within minutes of opening the box. As an ultra-micro sized electric RC plane, it requires no FAA registration in the UK (under the 250-gram weight limit) and offers an affordable, convenient way for more people to experience the joy of RC flight without the complexity or expense of larger trainer aircraft.
The Apprentice STOL S 700mm is engineered specifically for beginners and experienced pilots who teach others to fly. Its combination of proven aerodynamic design, exclusive SAFE technology with multiple flight modes, durable EPO construction, and powerful brushless motor makes it the most capable ultra-micro trainer available. With full 4-channel control capability and the ability to perform loops, rolls and inverted flight, it bridges the gap between a simple trainer and a true aerobatic aircraft, allowing you to progress from basic flying skills through to performing basic aerobatics.
Key Features
- SAFE Technology with Multiple Flight Modes — The exclusive Horizon Hobby SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology is built into the aircraft and prevents over-control and crashes by limiting the pitch and bank angles, making it nearly impossible to accidentally tip the aircraft into an unrecoverable dive. You can switch between Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced flight modes at the push of a button to match your skill level and build confidence as you progress, with an instant Panic Recovery mode that activates at the press of a button to prevent loss of control in emergencies.
- AS3X Stability Technology — The AS3X+ (Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis) technology works behind the scenes to smooth out the effects of wind and turbulence automatically, delivering unmatched stability and a locked-in feel that makes the aircraft track like a much larger, expertly-tuned aeroplane despite its ultra-micro size.
- Factory-Installed Brushless Power System — The tuned Spektrum brushless outrunner motor (1810–2000Kv 12-pole) comes pre-installed along with the 6A Smart Lite brushless ESC, four Spektrum linear servos and dual-protocol DSMX/SLT receiver, meaning all the complex electronics are ready to go straight out of the box with no soldering or installation required.
- Powerful Yet Efficient Motor — The brushless motor is more powerful and efficient than brushed alternatives, giving the Apprentice STOL S the capability to fly in winds up to approximately 5 mph, which is far better wind performance than other ultra-micro and mini-class trainer models can achieve, thanks to its optimised power delivery and aerodynamic design.
- 2S LiPo Battery Compatibility — The aircraft is designed to work with affordable and readily available 2S 7.4V 300mAh LiPo batteries with a 3-pin JST-PH connector, which are inexpensive, common throughout the UK RC hobby community, and provide an excellent balance between flight time and performance.
- Full 4-Channel Control — With dedicated channels for throttle, aileron, elevator and rudder, you have complete control authority over the aircraft, allowing you to perform a full range of aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls and inverted flight as your skills progress.
- STOL-Optimised Landing Gear — The steerable tailwheel and oversized tyres are specifically designed for short-field operations, allowing the aircraft to taxi, take off and land on grass, gravel, dirt, paved surfaces and other rough terrain that would be impossible for most ultra-micro models to handle, plus there is optional-use motor thrust reversing for even smoother landings.
- Durable EPO Construction — Advanced expanded polypropylene (EPO) foam construction delivers a lightweight yet incredibly durable airframe that can handle everyday flying punishment without bending or breaking, and a full line of replacement parts is readily available if damage does occur.
- Quick Tool-Free Assembly — The removable wing uses convenient thumbscrews for rapid installation and removal, and the aircraft arrives with the motor, ESC, receiver and servos pre-installed, meaning you only need to slide the landing gear into the fuselage and install the wing to be ready to fly within minutes, with no glue or tools required.
- Convenient Top-Mounted Hatch — Battery access is simple thanks to the top-mounted hatch, and the aircraft is fitted with functional LED lights for improved visibility and orientation during flight, making it easier to track the aircraft in the air.
- Dual-Protocol Spektrum Receiver — The factory-installed dual-protocol DSMX and SLT FHSS receiver means you can bind the aircraft to virtually any modern Spektrum 2.4GHz transmitter, giving you flexibility if you own multiple Spektrum-compatible RC aircraft.
- Optional SAFE Select Technology — If you want additional flight envelope protection, SAFE Select can be enabled through a simple binding procedure that requires no complex programming, providing pitch and bank angle limits, automatic self-leveling and easy switch assignment without leaving you dependent on the feature for normal flight.
Technical Performance
The Apprentice STOL S 700mm delivers outstanding technical performance for an ultra-micro trainer aircraft. Powered by a factory-installed Spektrum brushless outrunner motor rated at 1810–2000Kv (12-pole), the aircraft produces enough thrust to achieve excellent acceleration and climb performance whilst remaining manageable in light wind conditions up to approximately 5 mph. The motor drives an efficient propeller through a Spektrum 6A Smart Lite brushless ESC (electronic speed controller), which provides smooth, responsive throttle control and is fully compatible with 2S lithium polymer batteries. The aircraft weighs approximately 157 grams when equipped with the recommended 2S 300mAh LiPo battery, placing it well under the 250-gram weight threshold that exempts it from FAA registration in the UK, whilst still providing sufficient mass for stable, predictable flight characteristics.
The 700mm wingspan provides an excellent balance between manoeuvrability and stability, whilst the 490mm fuselage length keeps the overall footprint compact enough to transport and store easily. The airframe is constructed from advanced EPO (expanded polypropylene) foam, which offers the ideal combination of light weight and durability — it won't absorb water like traditional balsa wood, yet it's tough enough to withstand the inevitable bumps and crashes that come with learning to fly. The aircraft is equipped with four Spektrum linear servos for precise control of the elevator, rudder, throttle and aileron surfaces, with the oversized control surfaces providing maximum aerobatic performance and the ability to perform maneuvers including loops, rolls and inverted flight. The brushless power system is considerably more efficient than brushed motor alternatives, translating to longer flight times per battery charge and reduced maintenance requirements over the lifetime of the aircraft. With a steerable tailwheel and oversized tyres, the aircraft can operate from virtually any surface — grass, gravel, dirt or asphalt — making it suitable for flying at parks, sports fields, and other locations throughout the UK where traditional wheeled aircraft struggle to operate.
What's in the Box
- HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm airframe (partially assembled)
- Spektrum brushless outrunner motor (1810–2000Kv 12-pole) — factory-installed
- Spektrum 6A Smart Lite brushless ESC — factory-installed
- Four Spektrum linear servos — factory-installed
- Spektrum dual-protocol (DSMX and SLT FHSS) receiver — factory-installed
- Apprentice STOL S 700mm product manual
What You Need to Complete
- Six or more channel Spektrum DSMX or SLT compatible transmitter (not included, must be purchased separately)
- 2S 7.4V 300mAh LiPo battery with 3-pin JST-PH connector (recommended specification, not included, must be purchased separately)
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (not included, must be purchased separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm suitable for complete beginners with no RC flying experience? — Yes, absolutely. The aircraft is specifically designed for first-time pilots and is considered Skill Level 1 (beginner). The exclusive SAFE technology with Beginner flight mode, Panic Recovery, and automatic self-leveling features make it nearly impossible to crash, preventing over-control and helping you learn the basics of RC flight in a confidence-building environment. Many experienced RC pilots also recommend this aircraft as an ideal trainer to teach others to fly.
- What battery does the Apprentice STOL S 700mm require and what flight time can I expect? — The aircraft is compatible with 2S 7.4V LiPo batteries, with a recommended capacity of 300mAh. The 3-pin JST-PH connector is the standard size, making compatible batteries easily available and affordable throughout the UK. Flight time depends on your flying style and battery capacity, but the efficient brushless motor and lightweight design mean you'll achieve reasonable flight durations even with the compact battery recommended. Using a more capacious 2S battery (if one fits in the available space) will extend flight time.
- What is the difference between the BNF Basic version and other variants like RTF? — BNF (Bind-N-Fly) Basic means the aircraft comes with the motor, ESC, servos and receiver pre-installed, but does not include a transmitter, battery or charger. This version is perfect if you already own a Spektrum DSMX or SLT transmitter and compatible batteries from other RC aircraft. The RTF (Ready-To-Fly) version includes everything you need including a transmitter, battery, charger and even a RealFlight simulator key. Choose BNF Basic if you're expanding an existing Spektrum aircraft collection, or RTF if you're starting completely fresh.
- Can I perform aerobatic maneuvers like loops and rolls with this aircraft? — Yes, the Apprentice STOL S 700mm is fully capable of aerobatic flight including loops, rolls and inverted (upside-down) flight. However, these maneuvers are available once you progress to Intermediate or Experienced flight modes. In Beginner mode, the SAFE technology limits pitch and bank angles for safety whilst you build foundational flying skills. As your confidence grows, you can switch modes to unlock the full aerobatic capability.
- What transmitter do I need to fly this aircraft? — You need a six-channel or higher Spektrum DSMX or SLT compatible transmitter. Popular options include the Spektrum SLT6 (which comes with the RTF version), various higher-end Spektrum DSMX transmitters, or any other brand transmitter equipped with Spektrum DSMX or SLT FHSS technology. If you already own a compatible Spektrum transmitter, you simply bind the receiver to it and you're ready to fly.
- How much assembly is required when the aircraft arrives? — Very little. The Apprentice STOL S arrives mostly factory-assembled with the motor, ESC, receiver and servos pre-installed. You only need to slide the landing gear into the fuselage and install the removable wing using the included thumbscrews. The entire process takes less than one hour and requires no glue, no soldering and no tools. The manual provides clear step-by-step instructions.
- Is this aircraft waterproof or suitable for rainy weather flying? — The EPO airframe will not absorb water like balsa wood would, making it more weather-resistant than traditional aircraft. However, the electronics (motor, ESC, servos and receiver) are not fully waterproofed, so flying in heavy rain or landing in water is not recommended. Light drizzle should be fine, but you should avoid intentionally exposing the aircraft to sustained wet conditions.
- What is AS3X technology and why does it matter? — AS3X (Artificial Stabilisation–3-aXis) is Spektrum's proprietary technology that automatically smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence by making tiny corrections to the control surfaces many times per second. The result is that the aircraft feels more stable and locked-in than its size would suggest, behaving like a much larger, heavier aircraft would. This makes learning easier because the wind won't toss you around as much.
- Can I upgrade this aircraft with aftermarket parts or is it locked to specific components? — The Apprentice STOL S is compatible with Spektrum components and servos throughout. Horizon Hobby offers a full line of replacement and spare parts for this aircraft, including fuselage parts, wings, landing gear components and servos. However, due to the tight integration of the SAFE technology and the factory-installed receiver, you cannot simply swap in a different radio system; it must remain Spektrum-compatible.
- What is the maximum wind speed this aircraft can handle? — The Apprentice STOL S is rated to fly in winds up to approximately 5 mph (8 km/h). This is considerably better than most other ultra-micro and mini-class trainer models due to the powerful brushless motor and optimised aerodynamic design. However, for the best learning experience as a beginner, you should start flying in calm or very light wind conditions and gradually work up to windier days as your skills improve.
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 HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm BNF Basic with SAFE A-HBZ6150 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.
