sdcranford, welcome-- another plane guy here. Back to front, setting up the T9C to work with it is a great way to go. I have the synth module in mine, so I've programmed every heli I've gotten into the 9C and binned the stock transmitters. The controls on the 9C make the box transmitters feel like junk.

I got into helis to try something new, too-- but this stuff is addictive and expensive. It's a lot harder to fly a helicopter than it is to fly fixed wing, but once you learn a little bit (the first hover, the first circuit, the first piro, the first loop... it just goes on) it's incredibly rewarding.

If you got an Axe, you got training gear, so put it on. Pay attention to CG; it should be on the mainshaft, so you'll have to move the training wheels around to get it there.

Once it's set up, walk to the trash bin and firmly dispose of the training disc that comes with the Axe, then go to http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html and follow the instructions. The discussion is a little over-enthusiastic, but if you just follow the drill you'll be hovering with a minimum of parts damage in no time.

After that it's up to you-- whether you want to fly scale style (search for darthdrk for a master of micro scale) or acro (plenty of sources here). Good luck, sir.