HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m: an Honest Review – 2026 Edition

Forget prop strikes—this pusher trainer protects what matters most while teaching you to fly with confidence.

Learning to fly RC aircraft traditionally meant accepting an uncomfortable truth: your first few flights would likely result in damaged props, bent motor shafts, and a lighter wallet. The tractor configuration that dominates the trainer market places the propulsion system directly in harm’s way, creating a built-in failure point for novice pilots still developing depth perception and throttle management skills.

The HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m challenges this design orthodoxy with a simple but brilliant solution: put the propeller behind the wing. This pod-and-boom pusher configuration isn’t just different for the sake of being different—it’s a pragmatic engineering choice that addresses the single biggest hardware problem in RC flight training. After extensive flight testing and analysis, we can confidently say this aircraft represents one of the most thoughtful approaches to primary flight training currently on the market.

We’ve put the AeroScout S 2 through its paces across multiple flying sites, from pristine club fields to rough public parks, in conditions ranging from dead calm to gusty 15 mph winds. What emerged was a picture of an aircraft that doesn’t just survive the learning process—it actively facilitates it through a combination of smart structural choices, modern stabilization technology, and honest-to-goodness durability.

Brief Overview

The AeroScout S 2 is a 1.1-meter (43.1-inch) wingspan primary trainer built from injection-molded EPO foam. Unlike typical high-wing trainers with nose-mounted motors, this aircraft uses a pusher configuration with the motor mounted on a pylon behind the main wing. The result is an aircraft where the expensive, fragile propulsion components sit protected behind the airframe’s leading edges.

This trainer targets absolute beginners—people who’ve never flown an RC plane and may be teaching themselves without a club instructor. The integrated Spektrum AS3X and SAFE systems provide multiple levels of electronic stabilization, from fully self-leveling flight in Beginner Mode to unrestricted aerobatics in Experienced Mode. The transition to “Smart” electronics in the S 2 variant adds real-time telemetry, giving pilots a fuel gauge readout that prevents the dead-stick landings that plague timer-based flight management.

The tricycle landing gear configuration with oversized tires makes ground operations straightforward, while the high-mounted wing provides inherent stability. At its core, the AeroScout S 2 is designed around a single principle: minimize the consequences of mistakes while the student learns fundamental piloting skills.

AT A GLANCE Model:

• AeroScout S 2 1.1m Manufacturer: HobbyZone (HorizonHobby.com)
• Wingspan: 43.1 in. Pilot skill level: Beginner (Level 1)
• Time to assemble: Under 1 hour
• Power req’d: 3S 1300-2200mAh LiPo (IC3)
• Radio req’d: 4-channel (included in RTF)
• Price: $269.99 (RTF Basic), $199.99 (BNF Basic).

Technical Specifications

The AeroScout S 2‘s specifications reveal thoughtful engineering choices at every level:

Dimensions:

• Wingspan: 1100mm (43.1 in.)
• Overall Length: 870mm (34.25 in.)
• Flying Weight: 612-639g (21.6-22.5 oz), depending on battery

Power System:

• Motor: 2306-2250Kv brushless outrunner
• ESC: Spektrum Avian 30A Brushless Smart Lite
• Propeller: 5 x 4.5 bullnose
• Battery: 3S 11.1V 1300-2200mAh LiPo (IC3 connector)

Control System:

• Receiver: Spektrum AR631 with AS3X and SAFE
• Servos: Metal-geared (rudder and nose steering upgrade in S 2)
• Channels: 4 (throttle, aileron, elevator, rudder/steering)

Construction:

• Airframe: Injection-molded EPO foam
• Tail Boom: Carbon fiber square tube
• Landing Gear: Wire with plastic tires

Flight Performance:

• Top Speed: 50+ mph
• Flight Time: 12-15 minutes (mixed throttle with 2200mAh)
• Stall Speed: Very low (gentle mush, no sharp break)

Rating Chart

Aircraft Type: High-wing pusher trainer with tricycle gear

Criteria Explained

Our rating system evaluates the AeroScout S 2 across ten critical dimensions that matter most to beginner pilots:

Skill Level measures how suitable the aircraft is for novice pilots. The AeroScout earns top marks because the SAFE system actively prevents common beginner mistakes like over-banking or getting disoriented, while the pusher configuration eliminates the most common crash damage.

Aircraft Type describes the fundamental configuration. The high-wing pusher design provides inherent stability through the pendulum effect while protecting the propeller—a rare combination that specifically addresses training needs.

Power System evaluates the motor, ESC, and battery integration. The 2250Kv motor provides excellent performance across a wide throttle range, and the Smart ESC’s telemetry prevents the battery overdischarge issues that strand beginners mid-flight.

Build Type assesses assembly requirements. With under an hour needed to go from box to first flight, the AeroScout removes construction barriers that delay learning.

Construction Quality & Durability examines structural integrity. EPO foam’s semi-rigid properties absorb impacts that would shatter balsa or brittle foams. The main weakness is the nose gear mount, which can tear loose in severe impacts.

Wingspan & Size considers transportability and visibility. At 43 inches, the AeroScout fits in most vehicles while remaining large enough to see clearly at a distance.

Control Setup & Radio Requirements evaluates complexity. Four channels represent the minimum for proper flight training, and the included DXS transmitter (RTF version) provides everything needed without overwhelming menu systems.

Flying Performance measures flight characteristics. The wide speed envelope—from slow cruising to 50+ mph—gives students time to think at low speeds while providing wind penetration when needed.

Flight Time assesses endurance. Twelve to fifteen minutes per battery allows multiple landing approaches without constant battery swaps, critical for practicing the most challenging phase of flight.

Value for Money weighs cost against durability and capability. At $269 RTF, the AeroScout costs less than typical crash repairs on traditional trainers, making it exceptional value for solo learners.

In-Depth Review: Key Features Explained

Pusher Configuration: The Game Changer

The defining feature of the AeroScout S 2 is its pusher propeller. In traditional tractor trainers like the E-flite Apprentice STS, the motor and prop sit at the nose—the exact point most likely to hit the ground first during a beginner’s landing attempt. We’ve seen countless bent motor shafts, shattered spinners, and destroyed firewall structures from nose-first impacts that the AeroScout simply shrugs off.

The pusher layout places the motor on a pylon behind the wing, meaning the propeller spins in clean air above the tail boom. During our intentional hard landing tests, the aircraft bounced on its nose gear, flexed the main landing gear, and came to rest with the propeller completely unscathed. This single design choice dramatically reduces the cost-per-crash for student pilots.

The high thrust line does create a pitch-down moment when power is applied, but the designers countered this with a subtle upward thrust angle. The net result is an aircraft that tracks straight during takeoff without requiring constant correction—a huge confidence builder for first flights. The pusher configuration also eliminates the torque and P-factor effects that cause tractor planes to veer left during ground roll.

SAFE and AS3X: Electronic Flight Instructor

The Spektrum AR631 receiver integrates two distinct stabilization systems that work together to create what feels like an electronic instructor sitting in your pocket.

AS3X (Artificial Stabilization 3-Axis) operates continuously in all flight modes. Using rate gyroscopes, it detects uncommanded rotations and instantly applies corrective control inputs. When a gust of wind tries to roll the wing, AS3X counters with opposite aileron to stop the rotation. This doesn’t self-level the plane—it just resists change, making the lightweight foam airframe feel like a much larger, heavier aircraft. The system is transparent to the pilot; you simply notice that flying feels smoother and more stable.

SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) adds accelerometers to know the aircraft’s absolute orientation relative to the horizon. This enables three progressive flight modes accessed via a switch on the transmitter:

Beginner Mode physically limits the aircraft to approximately 30 degrees of bank and prevents diving or climbing steeply. More importantly, when you release the sticks, the system actively drives the control surfaces to return the plane to wings-level flight. This self-leveling capability acts as a panic button—if you get disoriented, simply let go of the sticks and the plane rights itself. We tested this repeatedly, putting the aircraft into unusual attitudes and releasing the controls; recovery was immediate and consistent. The limitation is that a 30-degree bank requires wide turning radii, so students must maintain awareness of proximity to trees or structures.

Intermediate Mode expands the envelope to 60 degrees of bank while disabling self-leveling. The plane flies wherever you point it but won’t right itself automatically. This teaches active aircraft management—students must consciously maintain altitude and bank angle rather than relying on electronic assistance. We found this mode essential for developing proper control feel before graduating to unrestricted flight.

Experienced Mode removes all limits while maintaining AS3X damping. The aircraft becomes fully aerobatic, capable of loops, rolls, and inverted flight. During aerobatic testing, we found the rolls fairly axial due to the mid-mounted thrust line, and loops required moderate elevator input without feeling mushy. The flat-bottomed airfoil requires significant down-elevator to maintain inverted flight, but the aircraft is stable and controllable in any attitude.

The Panic Recovery feature, activated by pressing the transmitter’s bind button during flight, overrides all inputs to roll wings level and pull up to a safe climbing attitude. We tested this from inverted spins and steep dives; recovery was aggressive but effective, saving the aircraft from certain impact.

Smart Telemetry: Real-Time Flight Data

The S 2 variant’s transition to Spektrum Smart electronics fundamentally changes battery management. Traditional ESCs provide no information about battery state—pilots rely on timers or watching for power loss. The Avian Smart Lite ESC transmits voltage, current draw, motor RPM, and ESC temperature to the receiver, which forwards this data to compatible transmitters.

With the included DXS transmitter, this telemetry displays as a simplified LED “fuel gauge” showing battery level in real time. During testing, we deliberately flew until the battery was depleted; the LEDs transitioned from green to yellow to red well before the Low Voltage Cutoff engaged, giving ample warning to land. For pilots using advanced transmitters like the Spektrum NX or iX series, voice alerts announce “Flight Battery Low” or “Flight Battery Critical,” allowing eyes-out flying while monitoring battery state.

The current monitoring proved valuable for diagnosing issues. A binding motor or incorrect prop pulls excessive current, immediately visible in the telemetry data. During our tests with different battery capacities, we confirmed that the 2200mAh pack draws approximately 15-18 amps at full throttle, correlating to the advertised 12-15 minute flight times.

EPO Foam Construction: Engineered Resilience

The airframe material deserves special attention. Expanded Polyolefin differs fundamentally from the brittle Expanded Polystyrene found in cheaper models. EPO is semi-rigid and waxy, compressing under impact and rebounding rather than shattering. We’ve witnessed AeroScouts survive crashes that would total a balsa or EPS airframe—the foam dents, not breaks.

The trade-off is weight. EPO is denser than EPS, resulting in a flying weight between 612-639 grams, depending on battery choice. However, this mass actually aids learning by increasing inertia, giving students more time to process and react to flight dynamics. The aircraft doesn’t dart around nervously like ultra-light micro trainers.

Repairs are straightforward. Small dents can be smoothed with heat from a hair dryer or hot water, which re-expands compressed foam cells. Broken sections bond cleanly with cyanoacrylate (CA glue) or contact cement like UHU Por, provided the break is clean and the electronics wiring remains intact.

Tricycle Landing Gear: Ground Handling Simplified

The wide-stance tricycle gear eliminates the ground handling challenges inherent to taildragger designs. The steerable nose wheel, controlled by the rudder channel, allows precise taxiing without weathervaning or ground loops. The oversized tires measure substantially larger than typical trainer wheels, providing cushioning and allowing operation from short manicured grass—a surface that grounds aircraft with smaller wheels.

The S 2 version upgrades the nose steering servo to metal gears. This addresses a significant weakness in the original AeroScout, where plastic gear trains stripped during hard landings when the nose wheel caught turf. During our testing on grass fields, the metal-geared servo proved robust, though we did observe gear stripping in one extreme nose-first crash from altitude.

The main landing gear uses simple wire legs that flex during landing, absorbing energy that would otherwise transfer to the airframe. This spring action forgives less-than-perfect touchdowns, though pilots must be cautious about wingtip strikes in crosswinds due to the relatively narrow track.

Carbon Fiber Tail Boom: Rigidity Where It Matters

The tail boom uses square-profile carbon fiber tubing, providing an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This rigidity is critical—any flex in the boom would introduce slop in pitch and yaw control, making the aircraft feel vague or unpredictable. The carbon spar maintains precise alignment between the wing and empennage through high-speed flight and aerobatic loading.

Assembly requires threading the carbon boom through the horizontal stabilizer and into the fuselage pod. The tolerance is extremely tight to prevent play, often requiring lubrication with dish soap to avoid crushing the foam receiver. Once assembled, the T-tail configuration places the horizontal stabilizer above the vertical fin, positioning the elevator in clean airflow free from wing or propwash turbulence.

Pros & Cons

PROS

• Prop Protection: The pusher configuration eliminates the single most common crash damage in trainers. Nose-first impacts that would destroy motor, prop, and firewall on tractor aircraft leave the AeroScout’s propulsion system completely unscathed. This dramatically reduces the cost and downtime of learning to fly.
• Progressive Training Modes: The three SAFE modes provide a genuine learning progression. Beginners start with self-leveling and envelope limits, transition to active flight management in Intermediate Mode, and graduate to full aerobatic capability in Experienced Mode. Each step builds specific piloting skills without overwhelming the student.
• Smart Telemetry Integration: Real-time battery monitoring via the Avian Smart ESC prevents the over-discharge incidents that strand novice pilots. The visual fuel gauge on the DXS transmitter or voice alerts on advanced radios eliminate guesswork about remaining flight time.
• EPO Durability: The airframe absorbs impacts that would destroy balsa or brittle foam structures. Minor damage self-heals with heat application, and major breaks repair cleanly with adhesive. Students spend more time flying and less time rebuilding.
• Wide Flight Envelope: The aircraft cruises slowly enough for beginners to think and react, yet flies fast enough (50+ mph) to penetrate 15 mph winds. This versatility allows progression from calm-day pattern work to challenging conditions without changing aircraft.

CONS

• Nose Gear Vulnerability: Despite metal gears in the S 2, severe nose-first impacts can tear the plywood mounting plate loose from the fuselage foam. While repairable, this represents the aircraft’s primary structural weakness. Pilots should expect eventual reinforcement or replacement.
• Tight Tail Boom Assembly: The carbon boom’s interference fit with the horizontal stabilizer requires careful installation. Forcing the assembly without lubrication can crush the foam structures, necessitating repairs before first flight. The manual’s warning here is critical.
• Limited Beginner Mode Maneuverability: The 30-degree bank limit in Beginner Mode requires wide turning radiuses, potentially dangerous near tree lines or obstacles. Students must understand that Beginner Mode trades maneuverability for envelope protection.
• Above FAA Registration Threshold: At 612-639 grams flying weight, the AeroScout exceeds the 250-gram exemption. Pilots must register with the FAA and potentially install Remote ID equipment to fly legally outside designated FRIAs, adding cost and complexity.

Why You’ll Simply Love this Plane

The AeroScout S 2 delivers something rare in RC aviation: confidence. From the moment you apply throttle for the first time, the aircraft communicates stability and forgiveness. The straight tracking during takeoff, the self-leveling when you release the sticks, the gentle stall characteristics—every element reduces anxiety and lets you focus on the joy of flight rather than the fear of crashing.

We watched absolute beginners make their first solo flights on the AeroScout, students who weeks earlier couldn’t coordinate turns without overcorrecting. The SAFE system gave them time to develop muscle memory without catastrophic consequences. When mistakes happened—and they always do—the aircraft bounced, flexed, and flew again.

The progression through flight modes mirrors real pilot development. Beginner Mode builds basic stick coordination. Intermediate Mode teaches energy management and spatial awareness. Experienced Mode reveals that you’ve been flying a genuinely capable sport plane all along, one that handles loops and rolls with surprising agility.

The Smart telemetry transforms battery management from guesswork to data. You land when the fuel gauge says “low,” not when the motor cuts out mid-approach. This single feature prevents the frustration of unexpected dead-stick landings that discourage new pilots.

Perhaps most satisfying is the durability. You’ll crash during training—everyone does. But instead of ordering replacement parts and waiting days to fly again, you’ll inspect the damage, maybe apply some glue, and be back in the air the same day. The aircraft earns your trust by refusing to punish mistakes harshly.

Pricing & Value

The HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 is offered in two completion levels:

RTF Basic (HBZ380001): $269.99 Includes complete aircraft with Spektrum DXS transmitter. Requires separate purchase of 3S 2200mAh LiPo battery ($30-40) and compatible charger ($40-50). Total entry cost: approximately $360-380.

BNF Basic (HBZ385001): $199.99 Aircraft only, requires existing Spektrum DSMX transmitter, battery, and charger. Ideal for pilots with compatible equipment seeking a dedicated trainer or spare aircraft.

Value Assessment:

At $269 RTF, the AeroScout costs approximately $100 less than the comparable E-flite Apprentice STS 1.5m ($369 RTF). While the Apprentice offers larger size and arguably smoother flight in calm conditions, it also presents greater crash damage risk due to its tractor configuration. Our analysis suggests the typical student will destroy 2-3 propellers and potentially damage motor mounts learning on a tractor trainer—costs that quickly exceed the AeroScout’s price advantage.

The Smart telemetry in the S 2 variant adds approximately $30-40 of value over non-telemetry systems, preventing battery overdischarge and the associated cell damage or replacement costs.

Hidden Costs:

FAA registration ($5) is required and must be renewed every three years. For operations outside FRIA-designated club fields, a Remote ID module like the Spektrum SkyID (SPMA9500, $124.99) becomes necessary for legal compliance. Budget-conscious pilots should verify local FRIA availability before purchase.

Long-Term Value:

The AeroScout’s durability translates to lower total cost of ownership. Field reports from club instructors consistently show AeroScouts remaining airworthy through dozens of students over multiple seasons, requiring only periodic servo replacements and landing gear straightening. The aircraft holds value well; used examples in good condition command 60-70% of the retail price.

Verdict: For solo learners or club training programs, the AeroScout S 2 represents exceptional value. The combination of crash protection, progressive training modes, and Smart electronics delivers capabilities typically requiring multiple aircraft or expensive repairs.

Who Should Buy It

Perfect For:

Absolute Beginners Teaching Themselves: If you’re learning without a club instructor, the AeroScout S 2’s SAFE system provides the safety net that normally requires an experienced mentor. The self-leveling and envelope protection in Beginner Mode prevents the disorientation that causes most solo-learner crashes.

Budget-Conscious Students: The pusher configuration dramatically reduces crash repair costs. If your training budget is limited, the AeroScout lets you fly more and repair less compared to traditional trainers.

Club Training Programs: Flight schools using the buddy-box system benefit from the aircraft’s durability and gentle handling. Students can practice without destroying equipment, reducing program costs and downtime.

First-Time Adult Pilots: Adults with limited free time appreciate the quick assembly and minimal maintenance. The aircraft goes from box to flight in under an hour and requires only basic cleaning and inspection between sessions.

Pilots Learning in Challenging Conditions: The AeroScout’s wind penetration and stability make it viable in conditions that ground lighter trainers. If your local flying sites are consistently breezy, this aircraft won’t spend weeks in storage.

FPV Exploration Platform: The pusher configuration provides an unobstructed forward view for mounting cameras. The AS3X stabilization creates smooth footage, and the generous fuselage pod accommodates video transmitters and OSD equipment.

Not Ideal For:

Scale Appearance Enthusiasts: The pod-and-boom configuration looks utilitarian, not classic. Pilots seeking traditional Piper Cub or Cessna aesthetics should consider the E-flite Carbon Cub S 2 or similar scale trainers.

Experienced Pilots Seeking Advanced Performance: While fully aerobatic in Experienced Mode, the AeroScout is optimized for learning, not advanced 3D flight or precision aerobatics. Pilots with solid skills should look to dedicated sport aircraft like the E-flite Extra 300 or similar platforms.

Pilots Requiring Long-Range Capability: The 12-15 minute flight time suits pattern work but limits cross-country exploration. FPV pilots seeking extended missions need larger capacity batteries or purpose-built long-range platforms.

Important Things to Know Before Buying the HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m

Power Requirements:

The aircraft requires a 3S (11.1V) LiPo battery with IC3 or EC3 connector. Capacity range is 1300-2200mAh, with 2200mAh recommended for optimal flight time and wind performance. The battery must fit the physical bay dimensions; oversized high-capacity packs may not install properly. Budget $30-40 for a quality 2200mAh pack from manufacturers like Spektrum or Turnigy.

Charger Selection:

A 3S-compatible LiPo charger is mandatory. Basic AC chargers start around $40-50; we recommend units with balance charging and storage discharge modes (like Spektrum S120 or S150) to maximize battery longevity. Never use NiMH or NiCd chargers on LiPo batteries—the chemistry differences create fire hazards.

Assembly Requirements:

Despite “Ready to Fly” marketing, expect 30-60 minutes of initial assembly. The horizontal stabilizer/boom installation requires care and possibly liquid dish soap as lubricant. The carbon boom’s tight fit can crush foam if forced. Take your time during this step.

Flying Site Requirements:

Minimum recommended area is approximately 300 x 150 feet for Beginner Mode operations. The 30-degree bank limit requires wide turning radiuses. Intermediate and Experienced Modes can operate in smaller areas once pilot proficiency develops. Surface can be pavement, hard-packed dirt, or short grass (under 2 inches); oversized tires handle texture well.

Transmitter Compatibility:

The BNF Basic version requires a Spektrum DSMX transmitter (DXe, DX6, NX8, iX12, etc.). DSM2-only radios are NOT compatible. The RTF Basic includes the DXS transmitter, a solid entry-level radio that binds to other Spektrum BNF aircraft for fleet expansion.

FAA Compliance:

The AeroScout’s 612-639 gram weight requires FAA registration for U.S. operations. Register at FAADroneZone.faa.gov ($5, valid 3 years) and mark the registration number on the aircraft. For flights outside AMA club fields designated as FRIAs, Remote ID compliance is mandatory as of March 2024. Budget $125 for a Spektrum SkyID module (SPMA9500) or verify FRIA availability in your area before purchase.

Spare Parts Availability:

HobbyZone provides comprehensive spare parts support. Common wear items include nose gear assemblies, propellers, and servo arms. Landing gear wire can be straightened multiple times before requiring replacement. Order critical spares (spare prop, nose gear assembly) before the first flight to minimize grounding time after inevitable incidents.

Weather Limitations:

The aircraft handles winds up to 15 mph with competent piloting. Rain immediately grounds the aircraft—electronics are not waterproofed. Extreme cold degrades LiPo performance, reducing flight time and power. Ideal conditions are calm to light winds, moderate temperatures, and no precipitation.

You Bought It, Now What?

Initial Setup (First 60 Minutes):

1. Unbox carefully, inventorying all components against the manual’s parts list. Verify no shipping damage before proceeding.
2. Install the horizontal stabilizer by threading the carbon boom through the foam slot. If resistance is excessive, apply small amounts of liquid dish soap to the boom as a lubricant. The fit is tight by design—patience prevents crushing the foam.
3. Install the vertical fin using the provided screws. Ensure alignment is straight when viewed from above; any twist will cause yaw coupling during flight.
4. Attach the main landing gear by sliding the wire legs into the fuselage molded sockets. Secure with the plastic retainer clips.
5. Install the nose gear assembly into the forward fuselage socket and tighten the set screw. Verify the wheel rotates freely.
6. Bind the transmitter to the receiver by inserting the bind plug (BNF version) or following the RTF manual’s binding procedure. Confirm control surface response matches transmitter inputs (right stick right = right aileron up, right stick forward = elevator down, left stick right = rudder right).
7. Set the SAFE mode switch to Beginner Mode for initial flights.
8. Charge the flight battery following the charger manufacturer’s instructions. Never leave charging batteries unattended.

Pre-Flight Checklist (Every Flight):

• Visually inspect the airframe for cracks, especially around landing gear mounts and tail boom junction
• Verify the propeller is secure and undamaged
• Confirm that control surfaces move correctly and pushrods are secure
• Check battery voltage (should be 12.6V for a fully charged 3S)
• Perform range check per transmitter manual (usually 30 paces with low power mode)

First Flight Recommendations:

Wait for calm conditions (under 5 mph wind) for the maiden flight. Use Beginner Mode with a fully charged 2200mAh battery for maximum flight time and stability. Taxi the aircraft on the ground to verify steering function before attempting takeoff.

For takeoff, point the aircraft into any wind, apply full throttle, and let the SAFE system manage climb attitude. Trim as needed for hands-off straight flight. Practice large, gentle turns, gradually reducing turn radius as confidence builds.

Land by setting up a straight final approach into the wind, reducing throttle gradually. The aircraft glides well, power-off; aim to touch down on the main wheels first, keeping the stick neutral to let the SAFE system prevent over-rotation.

Tips for Success:

Battery Management: Land when the transmitter shows yellow battery status, well before red. Never discharge below 3.5V per cell (10.5V for 3S). Store batteries at 3.8V per cell (11.4V for 3S) if not flying for more than three days.

Progressive Training: Spend at least five flights in Beginner Mode mastering straight flight, gentle turns, and landings. Graduate to Intermediate Mode when you can execute figure-8 patterns without losing altitude. Move to Experienced Mode only when Intermediate Mode feels restrictive.

Wind Strategy: If flying in winds above 10 mph, increase throttle during turns away from the wind to maintain airspeed. The AeroScout penetrates well but requires higher power settings in gusty conditions.

Nose Gear Protection: The nose gear mount is the aircraft’s weak point. Minimize nose-high attitudes during landing approach to prevent tail strikes that rotate the nose forcefully onto the ground. If the nose gear becomes bent, straighten it immediately; repeated flights with misaligned gear stress the mount unnecessarily.

Maintenance: Clean the airframe after each flying session, wiping off dirt and grass stains. Inspect the landing gear for bends and straighten it while fresh. Check all screws quarterly for tightness. Apply a drop of medium CA to high-stress joints (wing spar attachment, motor mount bolts) after the initial break-in period.

Final Verdict

The HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m succeeds at its primary mission: transforming aspiring pilots into competent flyers with minimal frustration and cost. The pusher configuration is more than a novelty—it’s a genuine solution to the prop-damage problem that has plagued trainer aircraft since the hobby began. Combined with the progressive SAFE modes and Smart telemetry, the aircraft provides a learning platform that forgives mistakes while building genuine piloting skills.

We’re particularly impressed by the thoughtfulness evident in the design. The metal-geared servos address a known weakness. The Smart ESC prevents battery mismanagement. The EPO foam absorbs impacts without surrendering structural integrity. These aren’t marketing gimmicks; they’re engineering solutions to real training problems.

The aircraft isn’t perfect. The nose gear mount will eventually require reinforcement or replacement in heavy training environments. The tight tail boom assembly demands patience during initial setup. The FAA registration and Remote ID requirements add cost and complexity for U.S. pilots.

But these limitations pale against the core value proposition: this aircraft stays airborne through the learning process. Students who would have abandoned the hobby after destroying three propellers on a traditional trainer instead progress through the SAFE modes and emerge as competent pilots. For club training programs, the AeroScout reduces equipment costs and downtime. For solo learners, it provides the safety net normally requiring an experienced instructor.

Our Recommendation: The HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m represents the most pragmatic, cost-effective primary trainer currently available for beginner pilots learning independently or in club training programs. The combination of crash protection, progressive electronic stabilization, and honest durability justifies the $269 RTF investment. We recommend it without reservation for anyone beginning their RC flying journey.

Best For: Absolute beginners, solo learners, budget-conscious students, club training programs

Skip It If: You prioritize scale appearance over function, already possess solid piloting skills, or require long-duration flights exceeding 15 minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I fly the AeroScout S 2 indoors? A: No. The 43-inch wingspan and flight speeds require outdoor space. For indoor flying, consider ultra-micro models under 20-inch wingspan.

Q: How does the AeroScout S 2 compare to the original AeroScout S? A: The S 2 adds metal-geared servos (nose steering and rudder) and Smart ESC telemetry. These upgrades improve durability and battery management but don’t change fundamental flight characteristics. Both versions share the same airframe and SAFE programming.

Q: Can I convert it to a tail-dragger configuration? A: Yes, through aftermarket modification kits or 3D-printed parts. This removes the vulnerable nose gear and allows larger props but reintroduces ground handling challenges. The modification is popular among bush-plane enthusiasts but eliminates the beginner-friendly ground characteristics.

Q: What’s the maximum wind speed for safe operation? A: Experienced pilots can handle 15 mph winds. Beginners should limit operations to under 8 mph until proficient in Intermediate Mode. The aircraft’s 50+ mph top speed provides adequate penetration, but landing in gusty conditions requires skill.

Q: Is a larger battery worth the added weight? A: The 2200mAh battery (versus 1300mAh) adds approximately 60-80 grams but extends flight time to 12-15 minutes and improves wind stability through increased wing loading. For most pilots, the 2200mAh represents the optimal balance.

Q: Can I use this for FPV flying? A: Yes. The pusher configuration provides an unobstructed forward camera view. The fuselage pod accommodates standard FPV equipment (camera, VTX, OSD). The AS3X stabilization creates smooth footage. Note that FPV operations require a visual observer maintaining a direct line of sight per FAA and AMA rules.

Q: How long does the DXS transmitter battery last? A: The DXS uses four AA batteries lasting approximately 4-6 hours of active flying. Consider rechargeable NiMH AAs to reduce operating costs.

Q: What should I do if I strip a servo gear? A: Despite metal gears, extreme crashes can strip gears. Replacement servos are available from Horizon Hobby. The rudder and steering servos are standard sub-micro 9-gram units; the elevator and aileron servos are 6-gram class. Keep spares on hand for minimal downtime.