cberster,

that video was with the stock CP Pro. no upgrades, no changes.... except for a complete balance and check folllowing www.bladcprepair.com guidelines. I would say 80% of flying the CP/Pro is set up.

Yes, I started with landing gear following Radd's. Once you feel confident hovering, and more importantly landing the hover remove the landing as soon as possible. there is a significant change in flying behavior. I've been flying the CP since Jan, so it's taken me about a month to get where I am now, and many $ in repairs.

I have both a CP and CP Pro still in stock form. I also have a modified CP Pro (with HH gyro, mH CNC head, CF main blades). The HH Gyro makes a huge difference in flight stability, but I would learn to hover before adding the gyro. At $80, that's a big chunk of change (given the cost of the CP) to be lost in the event of a severe crash.

In regards to the CP vs the CPP, the CP is much easier to learn on. However, as you mentioned not easily upgradeable. With the 8t pinion and NiMh battery the CP has much slower head speed, therefore a noob pilot is less likely to over correct.

I started with the CP Pro, but after several costly crashes invested in a CP, then went back to the Pro. I still enjoy flying both helis. And will start with the CP when moving on to Head in flying.

Just keep practicing, and BEFORE every flight follow a PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST.

Good luck with the flying!