Nick - I didn't know you set up and test flew other flier's helicopters. That's one heck of a service for a newbie. One of my biggest bothers was never knowing if it was me or the helicopter. Actually, just knowing I'm a lousy flier and the helicopter is fine was a major advancement. We can fix anything but we need to know what to fix.

Over the years there has been a whole lot of discussion about the advantages of the first heli being a coaxial (any of the CX series), fixed pitch (HBFP) or collective pitch (Blade 400).

I'm still of the opinion that the $100 spent on an HBFP is money well spent. I wouldn't expect a new flier to keep it too long or he'll become frustrated with the limitations of a fixed pitch. With a larger budget a high grade fixed pitch is a wonderful learning tool. And of course with a healthy budget available and a good (athletic) skill set a Blade 400 could be a great first heli. Boy, where to start with advice. It's a tough for the advisor as it is for the newbie.

Soloboss