There is nothing wrong with a JR radio. It is as name brand as Futaba, and moreso than airtronics. There are trainer cords out there right now that will use the JR as the master (which it would be on your plane--your receiver, your channel), and a futaba as a trainer box. Any club that has a futaba trainer box would be able to use their futaba trainer box hooked up to your JR master. Any club that has a JR buddy box would obviously be able to help you out as well. That means, any club should be able to train you NO MATTER WHAT BRAND OF RADIO YOU CHOOSE. And, the cord is no where near the price of two gallons of fuel. More like 12 bucks or so, and I bet most clubs already have one. Now, I agree, use the brand of radio most prevelant at your club. It does make life easier. And, the LHS is a great idea as they can help you set up your radio after you buy it, and show you the ins and outs of it. Sorry to be on a high horse, as I know this forum is about opinions, but I never tell anyone that one brand of radio is any better or worse than any other, and it irritates me when someone starts saying stuff like that. JR is an excellent brand of radio. I've never had an ounce of trouble out of mine. Pick the brand that has what you need--i.e. club compatibility, LHS availability, channels and servos compatibility, room to grow, and the all important one, $$$. Pretty much all major brands of radios out there will do you just fine. Don't be ashamed to show up at the field with any particular brand.