I too had a long absence from RC for the same reason (along with a fixer-upper home). And I too satisfied my cravings on the G.P. simulator. Have you considered a small e-flite blade for your first heli? Ibought a CX2 last week and have had a blast ever since, finally getting back into RC! I never dreamed I'd be flying in my own front yard! I wasn't sure if a co-axial would be stimulating enough, but for $170(which includes a 5 channel 2.4GHz radio, completely RTF) I have no regrets. and don't worry, it flys easier than the sim. I loved it so much I bought an mCx on Sat to fly inside the house. The mCx is even easier to fly (almost too easy) and really takes a beating. You can't beat using the kitchen counter as your landing strip, but I think the CX2 outside is more fun (only during very calm wind).