The 9Cap is a fine radio. Will you need one like that for long time? No. Why not just get a cheap 4 channel or even a 6 channel for now? The difference in price will cover the cost of fuel, a field box, club fees and insurance. Down the road you can use it for other planes or for a trainer box down the road. The prices of the radios being electronic are getting fancier and dropping in price all the time. Your first flying season should just be getting used to the basic controls. Then learn how to fly in windy conditions. GEt a 2nd type low wing for next year. Fly the heck out of that until you don't even need to think about what the sticks are doing. Then maybe you will be ready for war bird. By then the 9Cap will be replaced by a even fancier version and be a lot cheaper. My 2 cents. [8D]