RE: Radio requirement for jets
I fly the Comp-ARF Flash, and I COULD have done it with a 7ch. There are GREAT tools like matchboxes that you use to match two servos, like ailerons/flaps/rudder-to-nosewheel/separated elevator. I could have gotten this baby down to 7ch exactly. I used a couple matchboxes because they can match perfectly travel and up and down points. Look into these. They can reduce your channels dramatically.
For MY Flash, I just have one channel on a slider switch tied to the gear. When the gear is UP it doesn't function, but Gear DOWN turns the slider on and it will work the brake valve. Mine's just On or Off. But it could work for a proportional brake.
I hope this helps! It's a cool jump going from nitro to jets!