Sims? and what they do...
 

Now say I want to fly a helicopter, or learn how, I hear that by buyin a simluator your chances of crashing slim down. How do simulators like the g2 work and why are the so much? are they like flying the real thing???

Like being there
 

In a nutshell, simulators do just that. They simulate a situation and give you a chance to react as if it were a real scenario. In our case, the sims out there today give you a chance to get your hands and head together to form that all important picture in your mind. You can build confidence, memory skills and it's good therapy. A big part of our hobby flying is memory.
To me being on the sim is practice and not a game. I happen to use G2 because it can grow with me and what I happen to be dealing with at the time. Whether it be aerobatics, rolling circles or hanging on the prop, it gives me a chance to react in a way not unlike being at the field. NASA is a wonderful example of the importance of simulation. Use it as a tool. I Turn off the flaming farm animals, picket fences and fancy flying fields and concentrate on improving some skills.

Sims? and what they do...
 

If you use the sim as a tool it will help you develop reflexes needed fro flying.

I started learning without one and wasn't getting on very well. I bought a sim and couldn't believe how much it helped me develop my flying. I practiced all last winter on it doing loops, rolls, and flips. When I went out last spring I was able to start doing them for real immediately and know it was all due to the sim practice. I couldn't believe how close it was the doing them on the sim. I now practice all my moves on the sim before putting my $1000 machine in jeopardy.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone start without one. It's one of the best items on a beginner, or experienced pilots must have list.