here is my two cents for what it is worth.... I had a bunch of experience with gas cars and then made the jump to a heli (a Nexus 30 off of Ebay) and learned to fly pretty well. Read as much as you can and USE this forum as much as you can.

Your Raptor is a great bird and if you were shopping for a radio, I would say go for a computer 6 or 8, but the radio you have is the same one that I learned on and it is a great radio for beginners. Since you have it, keep it. You can always upgrade later (again....ebay).

I also back the call on the sim for your compter. I have a copy of FMS which is free. You can find a copy burned on a CD with a cord to fit your radio on Ebay for $20. It is a great way to go and you will learn a ton just by using this for a hour or so a day.

If there is someone around who knows helis, than see if they can help. If not, don't give up.... it can be done.

Read a lot, practice on the sim (there ain't no $20 crashes), double check EVERYTHING, and have FUN.

Hibbitz