The BEST and I do mean the BEST thing you can do for yourself is get a sim. It does not matter if you get the $20.00 sim or the $400.00 sim. It will save you way more in parts then you will spend on the sim.

Yes the $20.00 sim does not have to best graphics or bells and whistles, but it will teach your thumbs a few things. I have (3) free sims, (1) $20.00 sim and a $200.00 sim. The only real difference is the pretty graphics and the way the helicopter flies. The more they cost, the closer to reality they are. Teh other thing is in the beginning, never get it off the ground, just scoot it around until you can control it better then just letting it go where it wants.

Dru.

P.S. Don't forget about the sim!!!!

[link=http://www.helihobby.com/html/fms_flight_sim.html#PARTEK2-0905A-2]$20.00 siim[/link]

[link=http://www.heli-x.info/download_e.shtml]free sim[/link]

[link=http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html]free sim #2[/link]