One more question before I place an order. Are the Futaba 6EX and the Spektrum mentioned here, compatable with older radios buddybox? I want the new technology, but it's worthless unless my instructor can hook up and save me from myself.

Great info in all posts. Thanks to all who gave their opinions. My club has a couple of trainers that I'm currently flying with an instructor. I hope to solo on my own airplane in a couple of weeks, depending on the amount of stick time I can squeeze in. After that, I wouldn't have to depend on the club trainer availability.

As to the question of what direction I'm headed after gaining some proficiency with the Kadet, only time will tell. Being new to the hobby, I've seen things already that have me drooling and eyes bugging. I'll make the decision of where I'm going after the initial shock has worn off. For instance, I go out to the field for the first time, expecting to see some old geezers (which I qualify) flying around in a pattern and maybe some loops, rolls, and other basic aerobatic stuff, and some young guy is there flying rolling circles about a foot of the ground. After that, I started asking more and more questions and the internet has provided some extroadinary videos of what is available today.

Whether it will be slow flying piper cubs or jets in my future, I'll have to wait and see. That decision will also depend on how much the wife will support me in my new hobby. Of one thing I am certain. This hobby will not be nearly as expensive as owning my 1941 65 HP Continental J-3 was a few years ago. She never did like to fly, and didn't like me flying. This way I can still fly, but with my feet on the ground.