Flying Model Simulator (aka FMS) is real enough to learn basic heli flight. IMHO, the 3d heli that comes with FMS hovers the same as me Esky CP2 (CP2=BCP with lipo, aero upgrades, & bell hiller).

the controller from your CX will work with any sim, you just need ppjoy and a cable. You can either buy the cable or make your own.

it boils down to this: you could get G3, or fms and a blade cp (or cp2 ).

for me, i'd rather be practicing on FMS and looking at the cp2 on top of my monitor, than just having G3.