Personally I haven't used Hitec Transmitters... but have seen a couple guys at our field fly gas with them.

Always remember... range check a new plane with an FM receiver with engine off and then on.. if you can get 75% - 90% your range with the engine running you are fine. Swap receivers and range check it regualrly just to make sure nothing has change. I personally do a range check nearly every time I get to the field.

This really applies to any radio.