The Focus 3 is a nice little radio,I've been at this for about 30yrs. and have experienced the intimidation factor while instructing a bunch of times...Eliminate as many variables as possable to make it a little easier on him. The Focus doesn't have a buddy-box hook up though. You can usually tell if a student has "got it"or not (natural ability)right off the bat. That will help you decide if he really needs a b-bx. or not, and how basic a trainer he really needs...I'd suggest a slow stick, because it's big enough to see well at a distance,and you can fix it easy if(when)it runs into something it's not supposed to. A little extra wt. won't effect it either (from repairs)...And it flys like an airplane, with a 2 axis stick and real throttle, and you can set it up w/ailerons if you want to later. Check the other threads @ the park+slow flyers and see what you think. I would use a 7cell pack, maybe 600mah 2/3AA NiMH (same size+wt. as the 270/350 NiCd) so you have some useable flight time. The G.P. E.S.C.'s have worked well for me, the c-10 should do it. Happy Landings...