basimpsn,
I think your RC experience will help you in the transition once you get past hovering, but hovering is the key to flying heli's. If you can't hover you can't land. As I am sure you are aware. Get training gear for it, set up the pitch range -2 to +6 and practice staying in one spot, then nose forward in one spot, then small circles with the tail facing you. All of these manuvers with the training gear on. Then when you feel confident hover one foot off the ground... etc. The only other thing I think would be very important to do is to go over the entire heli. Check for worn bearings that might cause RF interference, I have had that, and make sure that all of the bolts, screws, or nuts that need lock tight have it! This way you are sure that everything is done right and if there are any problems that it won't someone elses fault!

Bill