ORIGINAL: Robbidos
While you are definitely correct, he is a newby in the US. It very hard to get anything but Mode 2 without specifically asking for it so most likely that is the channel line up. Brand shouldn't make a difference.
Actually, brand does make a difference. Airtronics radios are 1=elevators 2=ailerons 3=throttle 4=rudder.
The best thing to do when hooking up the radio is read the manual that came with it. It will tell you exactly what channel on the radio does what.
The advice about finding an instructor is spot on. He'll show you how to SAFELY start and tune your engine, inspect the plane to ensure it's properly assembled, and help you get it in the air.
Ken