I have been struggling with my Axe CP for about 2 months. I have no LHS within 250 miles so everything I break I have to order and it takes days/weeks to get them. So, I bought G3.5 and after a month of practicing, I can fly pretty well. However, it doesn't substitue for the real thing. I get very frustrated at the non-3D feel for the screen vs. being outside with the real thing.

I bought a Venom Ocean Rescue. It is 100 times easier to fly than the Axe. I still am anxious for the day that I can fly the Axe as well as the Venom but the Venom has totally boosted my confidence level for flying in all directions at many different altitudes. It's response is horribly sluggish and it hates even the slightest of breezes but, boy, has it done a lot for my 'feel' for the sticks. I have a much better understanding of how to hover nose in, left side in, right side in, and tail in. I have been able to learn how to actually fly to a particular spot and land.

I'm not endorsing this particular brand but the concept of buying a non-CP heli to learn on has helped me a lot. Now, I have to start applying that to the Axe, with the sim as my 'crutch'.