User Manual

Optional Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) Upgrade

The Apprentice STS is upgradable with the addition of the optional LAS

module (SPMA3180 not included) this allows the advanced SAFE features

to be combined with an Landing Assist Sensor (LAS) for smoother gentler

landings.

IMPORTANT: For best results when using LAS, land on grass surfaces or a

light colored surface, such as light colored concrete. Black surfaces or water

normally do not have enough reﬂ ection for the sensor to receive accurate

readings.

Installation of the LAS module

1. Remove the wing to gain access to the ﬂ ight controller compartment.

2. Rotate the aircraft to access the bottom of the fuselage.

3. Press the factory installed plug (A) to release it. Then removed it from

the LAS pocket. Save the plug for ﬂ ights without LAS module.

4. Feed the LAS connector through the channel in the base of the LAS

pocket.

5. Align the LAS module with the wires facing the back of the aircraft. Place

the LAS module into the pocket and press it to secure it into place with

a click.

6. Place the aircraft on its landing gear and connect LAS connector to

Channel 7 on the ﬂ ight controller. For correct polarity of the plug ensure

that the orange (not brown) signal wire (B) is facing towards the front of

the aircraft when plugged into the ﬂ ight controller.

Landing with LAS

Reduce throttle, keep the wings level and slowly reduce the altitude of the

aircraft. When the aircraft’s landing approach reaches an altitude of roughly

1m the LAS will level off the aircraft, manage the throttle and then ﬂ are the

aircraft for touchdown.

IMPORTANT: LAS is functional for all SAFE ﬂ ight modes except for

Experienced Mode. When the ﬂ ight mode is switched to Experienced mode

the LAS is deactivated and the pilot will have zero assistance on landing, a

traditional manual landing of the aircraft is necessary.

IMPORTANT: Installation of the LAS module is not auto land. The aircraft

must be guided and aligned with the landing strip for landing.

LED indicator

When the LAS module is installed the aircraft’s LED indicator for beginner

and intermediate ﬂ ight modes will be followed with a purple ﬂ ash to indicate

that the LAS System is active.

LAS with GPS

With GPS installed LAS will assist the Auto Land mode during landing of the

aircraft. When the aircraft’s landing approach reaches an altitude of roughly

1m the LAS will level off the aircraft, manage the throttle and then ﬂ are the

aircraft for touchdown.

TIP: If the speed of aircraft is too fast for landing or above 20% throttle

setting, LAS is not effective.

TIP: If the Aircraft’s landing approach is too low and fast, LAS will not ﬂ are.

LAS