HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm Review: Small Plane, Big-Field Demands

At about 5.5 oz, it skips FAA registration for recreational flyers. Yet the manual wants a field most parks can’t offer. Here’s what that means for your first flights.

Quick Verdict

The HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF (HBZ6100) is a smart first airplane for a beginner who has three things lined up: a large open field, a calm day and, ideally, an instructor. Horizon Hobby puts the core flight hardware in the box. You get a Spektrum SLT6 transmitter, a 2S 300mAh LiPo flight pack, a USB-C charger, a RealFlight Trainer Edition simulator trial, and SAFE flight-envelope protection with Panic Recovery.

The qualifications are just as real:

• Space: Horizon’s manual calls for at least 1,300 feet of clear space in every direction.
• Weather: The manual describes a good flying day as calm, with winds less than 5–7 mph (8–11 km/h).
• Charging: You supply the USB-C cable and a suitable power source.
• Power: The aircraft is specified for 2S. The ESC’s standalone 2S–3S rating doesn’t make a 3S pack an approved upgrade.

If your field or forecast won’t cooperate, one of the larger trainers in our best RC planes guide may suit you better. Read on to see where this little STOL trainer shines, where it asks more of you than the box suggests, and which rivals deserve a look.

Brief Overview

What It Is

The Apprentice STOL S is a high-wing short takeoff and landing (STOL) trainer. It’s molded from EPO foam and rides on oversized main wheels with a steerable tailwheel. Horizon describes it as a scaled-down version of its earlier 1.5m and 1.2m Apprentice trainers.

The following come factory-installed:

• Motor: Spektrum 12-pole, 1810–2000Kv brushless outrunner, turning a 6 x 3.5 propeller
• ESC: Avian 6-amp Smart Lite
• Servos: Four 2.2g linear servos
• Receiver: Spektrum AS6420A six-channel receiver, which supports both the DSMX and SLT protocols plus AS3X and SAFE

Assembly takes four steps. Slide the main gear into its slot, connect the two aileron leads to the Y-harness, seat the wing’s leading-edge tabs, and secure the one-piece wing with two thumb screws.

Who It’s For

Horizon rates the model Skill Level 1, so it’s aimed at first-time pilots. For first RC flights, Horizon recommends a qualified flight instructor. Its age guidance is 14 and older, and it calls for direct adult supervision when children fly. If you’re still weighing the whole category, our roundup of the best RC planes for beginners is a good next stop.

Cool Features That Solve Beginner Problems

• Three SAFE modes plus Panic Recovery: You get a three-position flight-mode switch and a hold-to-recover button. Together they let you reduce the assistance as your skills grow.
• A radio you can practice with first: The included transmitter connects to a computer through its USB-C data port, so you can rehearse in the RealFlight trial before you risk the airframe.
• STOL gear and a removable wing: Big main wheels, a steerable tailwheel and a thumb-screw wing make transport and field setup simple.

AT A GLANCE
Model: Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF with SAFE
Manufacturer: HobbyZone (Horizon Hobby)
Part number: HBZ6100
Wingspan: 27.6 in. (700mm)
Length: 19.29 in. (490mm)
Weight: 4.9 oz (140g) without battery; 5.5 oz (157g) with the recommended pack
Pilot skill level: Beginner (Level 1)
Completion: RTF (main gear and wing attach)
Power: 2S 7.4V 300mAh 30C LiPo, JST-PH 3-pin connector (included)
Radio: Spektrum SLT6 transmitter (included)
Charger: Spektrum 2S USB-C (included; USB-C cable and power source not included)
Center of gravity: 35–40mm (1.38–1.57 in.) behind the wing’s leading edge at the root
Price: Check current price
Already own a compatible Spektrum radio? The BNF Basic version is HBZ6150.

Ready to start in calm air with everything you need to fly in one box? Check today’s price and availability for the Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF. Before you check out, confirm that the listing is the RTF package, which includes the radio, battery and charger.

Pros & Cons

HITS
+ Transmitter, flight pack and charger are included in the RTF box
+ Three SAFE modes and Panic Recovery let assistance step down as skills grow
+ Removable one-piece wing and a 27.6-in. span make transport easy
+ Horizon catalogs a full line of replacement parts and documents a foam-repair route

MISSES
– USB-C cable and charging power source are not included
– This is a calm-air trainer; the manual’s ideal day has wind below 5–7 mph
– It needs a large field, at least 1,300 feet clear in all directions
– Tailwheel ground steering is generally less forgiving than tricycle gear

Expected Experience with the HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm

Unboxing to First Flight: Assembly & Setup

Horizon’s instruction manual lays out a short, specific sequence. Expect to do the following:

1. Charge the pack. The included charger works with most 5V USB-C sources rated for at least 1A. Horizon estimates about 45–60 minutes to charge a fully discharged pack, depending on the source. Stay with the pack while it charges.
2. Assemble. Insert the main gear, then connect the aileron leads with matching polarity and wire colors. Make sure no lead is pinched, and don’t overtighten the thumb screws.
3. Balance. With the battery installed and the airplane upright, check that the CG falls 35–40mm behind the leading edge at the wing root.
4. Power up safely. Engage throttle cut and stay clear of the propeller. Keep the airplane motionless while the receiver initializes.
5. Verify. The RTF radio ships bound, but you should still check control directions, with throttle cut on and the flight-mode switch in Experienced mode as the manual requires, then run a range test.
6. Check tracking. Roll the airplane on a smooth surface. If it doesn’t track straight, adjust the rudder trim.

On the Ground: Takeoffs on Grass and Pavement

Horizon’s marketing copy, reproduced on retailer listings, promotes ground operation from grass, dirt, gravel and pavement. Horizon’s own procedure is more conservative. For a ground launch, the manual specifies smooth asphalt or concrete, and for an early ground launch in Beginner mode it calls for a hard, level surface. If your surface isn’t suitable, the manual describes an into-wind hand launch with a helper.

Plan for the tailwheel layout, too. RC flight-training references generally rate tricycle gear as easier to steer on the ground. They also note that gyroscopic yaw as the tail rises can lead to a ground loop. That’s a general taildragger trait, not a documented flaw in this model, but it’s a good reason to keep rudder corrections smooth during the takeoff run.

General Flight Performance

One detailed published flight account comes from Abby Saylor, co-creator of TheRcSaylors YouTube channel and a pilot with prior RC experience. Her video flight demonstration shows her first flight of the RTF version on a 2S battery with high rates selected. She flew from a runway on a cold, clear day, and a breeze picked up later in the session. Horizon features Nate and Abby Saylor in its RC Enthusiasts profiles. Note that the manual recommends the SLT6’s low-rate position, which cuts servo travel from 100 to 70 percent, while you’re first learning to fly.

• Takeoff: In Beginner mode, Saylor used some throttle, up elevator and left rudder. On camera, the presenters noted that the departure needed little throttle.
• Stability and modes: In Beginner mode, the manual describes limited bank and pitch angles, with self-leveling when the sticks are centered. When Saylor switched to Intermediate, the presenters noted much more control, especially on elevator, along with more freedom in pitch and bank. Later she talked about switching back to Beginner as an aid to recovery. Experienced mode removes the envelope limits and keeps AS3X damping. AS3X becomes active once the throttle passes 25 percent after power-up.
• Power and climb: The manual describes a gradual climb at full power. With the airplane properly balanced in Beginner mode, it describes roughly level flight at 50–60 percent power with no elevator input. For flight duration, the manual’s preflight checklist suggests setting a 6–8 minute timer on the recommended 2S 300mAh pack.
• Aerobatics: The presenters discussed loops and a roll. They described the roll as slow, even at the full throttle they reported. Treat this as a calm-day trainer that can do some aerobatics, not a sport plane.
• Landing: As the breeze increased, Saylor brought the airplane back for a runway landing. The forecast discussed on camera called for about 3 mph at most. Horizon’s landing procedure calls for an into-wind approach with progressively reduced throttle, and a go-around if the landing deteriorates.

At the end of the flight, Saylor described the experience as “pretty stressfree for me.” Keep in mind that this is a single flight by a pilot returning to RC after time away, not a beginner’s first solo.

CALLOUT: Before Your First Flight

• Charge only with a suitable setup, and never leave the pack unattended while it charges.
• At about 157g with the stock pack, the Apprentice STOL S is under the 250g threshold for recreational registration. That also generally keeps it outside Remote ID requirements, provided it is neither registered nor required to be registered. The manual allows no additional payload.
• You still must pass the FAA’s TRUST test and carry proof. You must also follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization, keep the airplane within visual line of sight and yield to other aircraft. Flying in controlled airspace requires authorization, and in Class G airspace recreational flights are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level. See the FAA’s recreational flyer rules for details.
• Confirm that you have permission to fly at your field. The FAA’s rules and the local landowner’s rules are separate questions.

Hidden Quirks & Real Ownership Costs

WARNING: The 3S temptation
The installed Avian ESC carries a 2S–3S component rating. The Apprentice STOL S, however, is specified as a 2S aircraft, and the included charger is 2S only. We’d keep this airplane on its specified 2S pack. Horizon’s warranty excludes modification and operation outside the instructions. If you come across an older multilingual manual whose preflight checklist pairs the flight timer with a 3S 1300mAh pack, note that the later English revision and the U.S. listing both specify the 2S 300mAh pack.

• The charging gap. “Ready to fly” doesn’t include the USB-C cable or the wall adapter. Horizon’s product page lists nothing needed to complete, but the manual’s RTF Required Equipment line names a USB-C power supply and charge cable. If you already own a 5V, 1A-or-better USB-C source and a cable, you have nothing extra to buy for charging.
• Weather and field narrow your flying days. Between the manual’s calm-air guidance and its 1,300-foot clearance, an ordinary backyard or a crowded park won’t qualify. That’s a sharp contrast with Horizon’s own product page, which pitches the airplane for “more places and smaller spaces,” and with the Saylors’ on-camera suggestion that it suits pilots who have only tight spaces. A regulation football field is 360 feet long, far short of 1,300 feet clear in every direction. Factor that into the airplane’s value to you.
• A realistic add-on list (no prices):
  • A spare Spektrum 2S 300mAh 30C pack (SPMX3002S30), the same one that ships in the box, lets you fly another flight while the first pack recharges.
  • A spare propeller (HBZ6105) and landing gear set (HBZ6110).
  • Wing bolts (HBZ6104), a hardware set of pushrods, control horns and servo covers (HBZ6109), a screw set (HBZ6111), a wing set (HBZ6103) and a fuselage with tail (HBZ6102), all of which Horizon catalogs. A cataloged part isn’t necessarily in stock.
• Repairs take some patience. The manual recommends hot glue, CA or epoxy for foam damage. Reaching the receiver or tail servos may mean cutting the joining decal with a hobby knife and resealing it with clear tape. After any impact, confirm the receiver is still secure and mounted in its original orientation.
• A part-number mismatch. The manual prints the receiver as both SPMAS6420A and SPMAS6420AA. Order SPMAS6420AA, which is the separately cataloged replacement.
• Storage. Don’t leave the foam airframe in a hot, closed car.
• Warranty. Horizon’s limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. It excludes misuse, modification and operation outside the instructions. The manual also states plainly that crash damage isn’t covered, so budget for spare parts.

Where the HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm Really Shines

The Apprentice STOL S’s biggest strength is the complete training path that comes in one box. You can practice stick orientation at home with the same transmitter you’ll fly with. Horizon’s marketing copy describes Virtual Flight Instructor lessons and an Apprentice STOL S model in the RealFlight trial, and advertises up to 100 minutes of use. When you get to the field, the controls will already feel familiar.

Once you’re flying, SAFE gives you a safety net that you can loosen deliberately. Beginner mode limits bank and pitch. Intermediate opens up the envelope. Panic Recovery can bring the airplane back to a stable attitude when you have enough altitude and a clear path. It’s a bail-out tool, not a guarantee, and the manual warns that extended high-G maneuvering, such as continuous loops in Experienced mode, can make the envelope and Panic Recovery behavior inconsistent.

The rest of its appeal is practical. The wing comes off with two thumb screws, the airframe weighs about 5.5 oz ready to fly, and the charger runs off USB-C. Those are modest advantages, but they make a quick calm-evening session easy to set up.

🛒 The complete calm-air trainer: radio, flight pack, charger, simulator trial and three SAFE modes in a single box.
See the Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF on Amazon

How It Stacks Up: Value vs. Rival Trainers

The Apprentice STOL S has the shortest listed wingspan in this group. It’s also one of only two current options here, alongside the FMS Ranger RTF, whose box includes the radio, flight pack and charger together. And it’s the only current trainer here listed under 250g. Horizon doesn’t badge any of its larger rivals that way, and FMS lists the Ranger at around 290g. At 250g or more, recreational flyers must register the airplane, and a registered airplane must broadcast Remote ID unless it’s flown at an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA). If smooth ground steering matters most to you, the Ranger, AeroScout S 2 and Apprentice STS all use tricycle gear. The Carbon Cub S 2 is the choice if you want a bigger taildragger. Be aware that no published head-to-head test pits these trainers against each other in matched conditions, and a larger wingspan alone doesn’t prove better wind handling. Check each model’s own wind guidance. If none of them fits your field, it’s fine to keep looking.

Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)

Buy it if you are:

• A first-time pilot with access to a large, open field, preferably with an instructor. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) runs an Introductory Pilot Program that lets newcomers fly under the direct supervision of a club-designated instructor, with AMA liability coverage for 90 days, through participating clubs.
• A parent buying for a teen aged 14 or older who will fly under adult supervision.
• An experienced pilot who wants a compact airplane for calm evenings.
• A Spektrum owner whose transmitter is verified compatible, in which case the BNF Basic version may make sense.

Skip it if you:

• Routinely face wind or gusts at your field, or don’t have a large enough clear area.
• Want sustained aerobatics or long sport-style flights.
• Plan to convert it to 3S.
• Would rather start on tricycle gear.

FAQ

Q: Is the HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm a good first RC plane if I’ve never flown before?

A: The HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm is a good first RC plane if you have a calm, open field and, ideally, an instructor.

• Horizon rates it Level 1, includes a radio, pack and charger, and adds SAFE modes and Panic Recovery.
• The manual calls for 1,300 feet of clear space and recommends an instructor for your first flights.
• Practice in the simulator first, then fly under supervision.

Q: What is the exact process for getting the Apprentice STOL S 700mm ready to fly out of the box?

A: The Apprentice STOL S 700mm process runs from charging through assembly, balance and radio checks.

1. Charge the pack while you supervise, using a 5V, 1A-or-better USB-C source.
2. Insert the main gear, connect the ailerons and attach the wing with its two thumb screws.
3. Confirm the CG is 35–40mm behind the leading edge at the root.
4. Engage throttle cut and keep the airplane still while it initializes.
5. Check control directions in Experienced mode, then run a range test.
6. Select Beginner mode at a suitable site and take off into the wind.

Q: Why does my Apprentice STOL S feel underpowered or keep stalling, and how do I fix it?

A: An Apprentice STOL S that feels underpowered needs troubleshooting on the ground before you launch it again.

• If the motor won’t arm or respond, check the stick and trim positions.
• If power or flight time drops, check the pack’s charge, its condition and its temperature, and confirm the propeller is installed facing the right way.
• Recheck the CG.
• If the motor slows and begins to pulse during a flight, low-voltage cutoff (LVC) has likely engaged. Land immediately and recharge the pack.
• If the problem keeps coming back, contact an instructor or Horizon support.

Q: Can I use a 3S battery in the Apprentice STOL S 700mm to get more power?

A: A 3S battery is outside the Apprentice STOL S 700mm’s specification, so stay with the 2S pack.

• The airplane and its included charger are specified for 2S 7.4V.
• The ESC’s 2S–3S rating applies to that component alone, not to the whole aircraft.
• Horizon’s warranty excludes modification and operation outside the instructions.

Q: How windy is too windy to fly the HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm?

A: For first flights, plan on flying the HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700mm only in calm air.

• Horizon’s marketing copy advertises flight in winds up to 5 mph. The manual describes a good day as calm, with wind below 5–7 mph (8–11 km/h).
• Horizon publishes no measured gust limit.
• Check the forecast, then reassess the wind at the field before you fly. Take off and land into the wind.

Q: What extra gear should I buy with the Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF?

A: The Apprentice STOL S 700mm RTF needs only a USB-C cable and a suitable power source to begin flying.

• If you plan to use the simulator trial, you’ll also need a compatible computer and a data-capable cable.
• Optional extras include a spare SPMX3002S30 pack, an HBZ6105 propeller and an HBZ6110 landing gear set.

Q: Can I fly the Apprentice STOL S 700mm with a Spektrum transmitter I already own?

A: You can fly the Apprentice STOL S 700mm with a Spektrum transmitter you already own, provided you buy the BNF Basic version (HBZ6150) and your radio is compatible.

• Horizon calls for a DSMX or SLT transmitter with six or more channels, plus a 2S 300mAh JST-PH pack and a 2S charger.
• According to the manual, SLT transmitters other than the SLT6 don’t provide full functionality. Programmable DX, NX and iX radios use the manual’s setup instructions.
• Before your first flight, confirm the flight-mode switch, the Panic Recovery assignment and throttle cut, then run a range test.