Seems like it was a battery charger issue. I ordered the first set of parts from Tower Hobbies but I forgot I needed the flybar grip. So I replaced all but the flybar grip. It only costs $2.69 from TH but shipping is $3.99. So I procrastinated for a couple weeks until this weekend when we were driving close to home and happened to see a local hobby shop. I stopped in and saw they sold the Axe CP and asked if they sold parts. Turns out they did and they sold the flybar grips. I replaced it today.

When I plugged in the battery to the charger it turned green after about 15 minutes. I assumed the battery was charged. After posting my initial question I decided to plug the battery back in. After a couple hours I put it back in and plugged it up and the Axe CP spun up to the point of wanting to take off with no problems.

Looks like the battery wasn't charged! I made sure to order extra parts, and now that I know a local shop sells them I should be in good shape. Seeing how unlucky I've been so far, I'm sure I'll need those parts along with a lot more training.