The simulator is easier then the real thing. From experince make sure you have plenty of room for your 1st test flight, I flew mine in my small garage and crashed and burned a few times. Then took it to my warehouse and wasmuch more enjoyable flight anddid not crash. They are easy to learn as long as you have some room for error to get used to how it controls. Try keeping the helicopter lik 1 foot off the ground at 1st to trim it and get used tothe controls. Just remember when starting rc helicopters always have the throttle all the way down on transmitter, then power the transmitter, and finally plug the battery in the helicopter and let it sinc to the tansmitter. When you are done flying leave the transmitter on and remove the battery from the helicopter 1st then turn off transmitter never leave the battery hooked up in your heli.

I was actually looking to purchase from Banan hobby but was discouraged by alot of the negative reviews i seen on consumer reports. How was your experience dealing with Banana Hobby? Which ec-135 did you purchase from them the smaller 19 inch one or the larger 27 inch one?