sean,
Yes, the kit included push rods will work, but you will generally get much smoother movement and less binding (which means better flight and more battery time) out of something like the sullivan gold-n-rods... They really aren't expensive at all, and will make a big difference in your install... Couple of other things to consider... Depending where your flying you might want to upgrade with wheels... If your in grass, you'll probably want some foamies with a larger diameter... If your flying off asphault you'll want some rubber tires... MinnFlyer is right about it sometimes getting tedious doing the install of radio, engine, etc.. and not seeing much progress, but DON'T rush it... Those steps are some of the most important.. Make sure you get the engine mount set up correctly with the proper amount of downward and sideward thrust... Be sure to take your time getting the control linkages square (so control horn is parallel to servo arm and push rod is 90 degrees to each in neutral settings...)... These steps won't make your model fly or not fly... but it will make the difference of rather or not you WANT to fly it. Take your time with the covering too... You've put a lot of hard work into building the kit. When it comes to covering it's easy to get into a rush because it's the last step. You want to get that bird in the air.. Resist the temptation!!! Take your time and do it right... An ugly model will fly just as well as a pretty one, but after spending all that time and work on the internals, you want the outside to reflect the time and effort you put into it... Sometimes monokote can be a little tricky, but it'll come out just fine if you don't rush it. Good luck with her maiden voyage! Make sure it's the instructor putting the first flight on her!