Both the Cessna 182 and the Edge 540 now come with improved TX/RX combinations.

My Edge 540 came with the new TX/RX. I have not had any problems with it.

My 4-ch Cessna 182 came with the old TX/RX. I have not had any range problems with it, but I cannot fly it when others are flying their planes even though they are on different channels. They all interfere with my Cessna. So, I can only fly it when others' transmitters are off. I'm waiting for parts at Parkflyers.com so I can replace the receiver with a new one that matches the Edge 540 crystal. That way one TX will operate both planes.

As to take off from the ground, the Cessna 182 will do so easily even on grass. The J-3 Cub also takes off on grass with the Venom motor upgrade, a GWS8060 prop and 2" wheels (that's how I have it set up). It would not do so in stock form.