Looks like you're definitely ready to start learning how to fly heli's, it may be a little easier for you to pick up since you're pretty efficient with planes. But the heli's are really tough and the sim will really help you out but it's gonna be different with the real thing. I myself can easily do some pretty amazing ( to me anyway, haha) 3D moves on the G2 amont other things, but I'm just learning forward flight and basic maneuvering with my Corona. I gotta admit though the sim really really helped so it will definitely cut your real learning time down.

There's a bunch of really knowledgeable people that can tell you from experience but here's what I've heard about the Eco 8 because I was doing research on them before and almost got one. I've heard that it can be a great flyer with the right upgrades but I heard it's very fragile so I'm not so sure it would be a good first heli because durability will help keep your out of pocket expenses lower when you're first learning heli's.

My Corona was just an awesome choice for me and really helped my learning process and is very durable, I've actually only had to spend like $5 for repairs since I got it and that's with about 4 minor crashes and one from better than 12 feet. The Corona may not be what you want being that you're a soon to be 3D plane competitor and you'll probably pick up the heli quicker than usual. But you'd be surprised how many very experience heli flyers still hold on to their Corona because of how fun and durable it is.

From what I've heard if you want to start with a CP heli is that a JR Voyager E would be a better choice because it is a little more durable than the Eco 8 and is a really good flyer out of the box, that way you don't have to spend lots of $ on mods especially when you're just learning the heli.

Oh well, I hope I could help in your decision, again, I never personally flown the eco 8 or Voyager but just passing on info that I've got from experience piots when I was making my decision.

I love my Corona and glad I got it! I don't see myself getting rid of it even when I do get a CP heli in the future, it's just too fun and it is a little smaller so you can get away with playing with it in the garage or even living room, though not recommended, LOL. the itch is just really bad for me!