I don't want to turn my original question into a debate so I'll just add this:
I contacted Ikarus with my question and promptly received an answer from Mike Fontinini of ikarus-USA. He informed me an adapter will work and recommended one with the manufacturer's drivers included.
Bought a Radio Shack 6 ft. USB to serial cable (part # 26-183) and it works fine.
I was flying the AFP f16 at work and the boss had to give it a try untill it crashed on takeoff, then it was, "turn that off and get back to work".
Thanks all for the input (pro or con). This is how we learn new stuff.