jerrymac,
I have not been at the heli's but a little over one year. I have been flying fixed wing now for 29 years and 20 of those years living in East Peoria, IL. Small world gmscholl. I started with a Lama V4 and bought a Falcon 3D. Still having a good time with both. Can now somewhat fly the Falcon 3D but it took a long time to get there. A friend here at work is a very experienced heli flyer and has been a big help and great support. If you have someone locally that knows heli's try to get them to help you. A simulator does help a lot and starting out my opinion is any is a lot better than none at all. I am putting together a T-rex 450 and have my eye on a 600. It is addicting and don't get discouraged when you crash. Every one is right on that, you will crash. Do a lot of reading on the forums and ask any questions that come up (the only stupid question is the one you ask that you already know the answer to
). A lot of good and helpful fella's on here.