Jerrymac,
Hey man! WOW! I bought my first heli from ka planes about 3 months ago! I got the blackhawk 450.. not the SE.. I wish I would have bought the SE to begin with.. but my heli now has everything the SE has on it and more! I am actually kinda glad I didn't go with aluminum to begin with, because I crashed a few times before I got to hovering really good.
I hope you've tried out RADD's school of rotary flight
http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html
That's how I learned to get off the ground.. now I'm flyin all over my yard!..
I suggest you stop by the thread that's on these forums called "Heli stuff and fellowship." It was created by a great guy dooleye here on the forums... Lots of great people over there that have helped me a TON in learning to fly and in repairs.
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I can tell you this, once you crash it the first couple times and you tear the thing apart to fix it. Thats when you are really going to learn. In the 3 months I've had my heli I've physically removed and replaced every single part I think.. lol
If you don't enjoy fixing it, you wont enjoy helis! but considering your background, you should enjoy fixing it. In fact, I have more fun building and repairing than I do actually flying! lol
Mike Jr. at KA planes is a super nice guy! You made a good choice buying from him. He always answers emails and is always willing to help answer questions. My suggestion, if you haven't already. Is to get the hex screwdriver set that they sell. I wish I would have gotten it to begin with, those screwdrivers are a livesaver! Mike will even tell ya that.
as far as lipo batteries go... I have found that the best price around is for the zippy lipos... they work great and are a good price.
you can find some here
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...5C_Lipoly_Pack
and the best charger.. by far! is the FMA cellpro
http://www.fmadirect.com/products.htm?cat=45&nid=4
you'll need the charger and the kokam addapter.. also the 12v adapter is good to have.
not trying to get you to spend money.. but let me warn you.. this hobby IS expensive.. lol.. I've got about $800 into my heli already.. but it's so much fun, it's money well spent.