In addition to the lack of a throttle ratchet, the heli radios sometimes have a few different switches and some different menus. I know a couple guys who fly planes but accidentally picked up a heli radio at the LHS (kid behind the counter didn't know any better). They will fly a plane so that isn't an issue but it can get a little confusing trying to help someone with a heli version of a particular radio. More of an annoyance than anything though.