There are some flyers in the US who do fly mode 1, not many but they do exist. I belong to two clubs and I know of at least 1 flyer in each club who fly mode 1. Check with the club you're going to learn to fly at and see if there is a mode 1 flyer who will work with you. If you do find a mode 1 flyer to buddy box with you, he may have a TX to buddy cord you with, or you may have to buy a second DX5 or DX6 and a cord if his equipment wasn't compatible with yours. Start by Checking at your club.