If you use the Spektrum SR300 receiver, then it will failsafe to the throttle and steering positions present during the binding process. I'd guess that all of the Spektrum receivers do this. (My SR3500 also behaves this way.)

Or you can just make do with what you have. The behavior you describe was normal on the non-computer radios we had many years ago. You just learn to make sure that the transmitter is on whenever the receiver is on.