RE: Spektrum DX8 as heli radio?
Its got the 3 position F-MOD switch and throttle hold switches in the right place.
Most of the new Spektrum radios ship with the clicker and the smooth throttle spring clip. In fact, my 11X, which came out before the 8, has a smooth throttle stick, you have to find and install the clicker if you want it.
So it looks like that would be a great helicopter radio.