I learned the hard way.. Lets just say that $200.00 on a good flight sim will pay for its self in no time and save tons of hours of fixing your heli. I do not recommend the hb cp 3. Ihave this heli and no matter what Ido Iam always chasing the tail and that is no way to learn how to fly. Stay away from the ones with tail motors. Find a decent priced 450 size heli that has a belt of shaft driven tail rotor and someone willing to help you learn to set up and fly. But even if you dont have anyone to help, a flight sim is a definate plus..