Tigermeet,
Depending on what heli you will be flying, a CP heli like the Falcon 3D or a CCPM heli like the TREX, you will need the CPD4 for the CP models or the FS8 for the CCPM heli's. My experience is with the Falcon 3D of which I have 2 flying at this time. I have the CPD4 installed on both and I am a beginner with 41 flights and no crashes. It just makes sense using it as you can hover right off the back and not crash. You can move into fast forward flight doing circuits back and forth and also fly the heli up high where you have time to think what you are doing. High hovers are common and also the CPD4 works great if you are in a windy area. I normally fly in 10 to 20 mph winds here in the Sacramento area of Northern CA. I also have a simulator the G2 which I have flown heli's with and of course crashed several times. Flying the simulator is a good tool but the CPD4 at 70 bucks is cheaper and you are outside with your heli flying and not crashing at all. I'm not saying you could not crash while using the CPD4, but it will take alot of effort to crash with it installed. I have flown 3 and 4 meter large sailplanes, discus launched 70 inch gliders, and an assortment of electric planes for many years and flying heli's is a whole differenct ballgame. It takes a great deal more concentration and stick control to fly and even just hover a heli. It is a constant balancing act and one mistake when you put an input in and fail to give opposite input to take it out will result in crash, ordering parts and depression. The CPD4 is an infrared stabalization system that measures the ground versus sky temperatutes and after properly set up on the ground before each flight, it memorizes the LEVEL position of the heli as it sits on the ground before lift off. As you lift the heli off the ground, the CPD4 throughout the flight will be holding the level position resulting in automatically hovering your heli. You will still make control inputs, left stick power, left stick rudder but the heli will be hovering in one position or moving depending on the amount of wind you are flying. Push the cyclic right stick forward and your input will override the CPD4 hover and the heli will move forward...move right cyclic and the heli moves right or move it left it goes left...if the heli is out front and you want it to come back, give some back cyclic. You can enter forward flight and get the heli up high and have time to think what you want to do. You have time to test the rudder, point the heli in whatever direction and just fly around. The heli will not tip over unless you HOLD say right cyclic and not release the stick or put it to neutral. The CPD4 constantly is working to keep the heli in a level hover because of that setup you did before the flight. Flying without crashing is totally possible and a reality with this device. If you would rather fly than crash, I would definately recommend you fly with this device. It will work beyond your expectations. There has been alot of beginners buying these lately. Check with KA-PLANES.COM for the CPD4 or go to FMADIRECT.COM. I am just one satisfied customer. If you get one and have any questions whatsover, send me an email and I will give you some tips for easy installation of the CPD4. Ralph (Thermal7)
PS I have some video clips on YOU TUBE...search FALCON 3D and CPD4
GOOD LUCK my friend...