I'm new to it too.... leave it on the ground, get to know your heli (the first 5-10 batt. packs)
Slide it a little around, always with the tail towards you, when you feel that know when to do what with the tail,
then start to move around (on the ground) with the cyclic movements... A smooth floor is preferable..

When You think You have got it in Your fingers, try to trottle up until its very light on the skids..
You will feel that it becomes a little unstable, but dont quit!...(it will because og the ground effect...GE..).. just keep trying to hold the heli inside an imaginary square on
the floor...

When YOU think You are ready for some hovering, then put it back on the ground AND KEEP IT ON THE GROUND FOR ANOTHER PACK OR 2
..After that... throttle up, and....liftoff! (or maby not, but sooner or later it WILL go down, so don't sweat it )

In my little experience i have learned that if you are able to controll the cyclic to some extent, then loose the training gear (if You have one) the gear makes the heli a little more unstable... And for me the best thing for liftoff, is to make the heli light on the skids, then just boost it 1-2 ft of the ground, this to awoid the GE... i now find it more easy to hover.. just try to keep it there with SMALL CORRECTIONS on the cyclic...

Hope this will help You.. if You want, drop me an email, and i'll send You a little video of one of my first flights

-Cookie-

PS: Sorry for my poor writing ability, I'm just a pale Viking You know heheh