In my couple of weeks, I have found that they handle very much like a real helo... I found myself several times with mine and thinking that I know what it looks like from the inside. I have found that there are some differences. 1. I am used to feeling the sensation and noting very minute change and I can not pick up on that as fast (I have to see the attitude of the helo and the relative movement) 2. I have the benefit of knowing that a very small input gets the change going and an opposite input removes said input, so I may be at an advantage with having that knowlege from the start as opposed to getting it later. I never expected it to be easy or to be big motions (killing snakes, or stiring the pot as we used to refer to it). 3. not having guages for altitude and specific heading, or attitude for that matter is a bit more difficult.

My initial thoughts are that someone going from RCs would have a bit easier time learning real helos due to the control touch than someone going the other way... it is very difficult to control it from the outside.

Incidently, my wife was looking through my RC Helo mag and noted the simulator, asked why I didn't have one instead of spending hours fixing it... about an hour later we were at the hobby shop getting one. The Realflight sim works great but I was told I could download the other aircraft and then found out that the blade model is based on an aircraft which I have to get in an expansion pack. I plan on getting it, but have been using one of the other models. After hovering it for a few hours on the sim, I flew mine with great results!! Anyone learning should get a sim... I have noted a huge change.

Soloboss, thanks for the sentiment, I have always loved my service (Army and USCG) and have been lucky to be able to do what I love. With that in mind though, there are many who are making far greater sacrifices than I... for those, I will join you in a heartfelt thanks!