Got to agree with Minn here. One old guy at our club doesn't see the advantages of using a buddy box. "That's not the way WE learned to fly".

Is there only one instructor at the local club? If not, you might talk to the others and see what they think. In my mind, you need to find someone that you're comfortable with.

You could always learn to fly at the distant club, then join the local club next year.

Edit: Forgot to add, I learned on 4 channels and I think it would be more difficult to learn on 3, especially if the transmitter is set up for mode 1.

Kerry