RE: Learning to hover
I am relatively new as well...but i would say definitely start with [link=http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html]RADD's[/link] once you get on the real one. It'll help you get acquainted with how the chopper will respond to your inputs. Continue on the sim practicing hovering in all orientations until you catch up with RADD's on the real thing. Have fun!