Flying planes won't really help you with heli's. A lot of us started out with planes and we are doing ok, and starting out on heli's shouldn't be much more difficult. Just my opinion.

You are going to get a lot of guys telling you to start out with a $800.00 TRex. If you can afford it I guess it wouldn't do any harm.

But, there are cheaper heli's like the MX400, Heli-Max Axe CP and the Eflite Blade series. I think the Eflite blade cp is a good heli to learn on because it has flat bottom blades (easier to hover), and parts are available at almost any hobby shop you walk into. And, they hold thier resale value really well after you are ready to step up to something more exciting.

You will break a lot of main blades and burn up a few tail motors while learning, but the parts are cheap. Just don't be a pioneer and go out and try a brand no one has ever heard of or supports.

Do a search on line for "RADDS". It is a learning program for new heli owners that is really quite effective if you follow it faithfully.

The Simulator is really a good tool, but its nothing like flying the real thing. I have Real Flight G3 also. It's far to easy in my opinion.

Good luck whatever you decide and keeps us all informed on how you're doing.

Bob