Hi all, thanks for the replies! As far as wanting to use a buddy cord -- by all means, that's my preference! Unfortunately my radio is an older (much older) model Futaba that's not compatible with modern buddy cables. Luckily it is a legitemate aircraft radio (72Mhz) on channel 40 -- it has a gold sticker and everything. I plan to buy a new radio when money is more available, but right now it's just not an option. I'm quite sure that a Sig Kadet LT-25 counts as a "slow flying trainer", so it sounds like I'll be okay until it's time to learn to land and take-off *grin*.

I've heard about the "thumbs-on" method of training, but I think most of the local instructors are buddy-cord folks, I guess I need to get off my butt and go to some of their meetings though, and talk to the instructors to see!