FlySurfer said...Can you fly an RC chopper?
My Hiboro STS Shuttle + Irvine + some fancy futaba radio didn't last very long

Before you go out and smash up your model helicopter for the umpteenth time, go and buy a "Great Planes Real FLight R.C. flight simulator" kit from your hobby shop.
They only cost about $300 (or used to) and you can plug it into your computer and use them for training on planes, helicopters, gliders, and airships.
The control unit is similar to a standard RC transmitter unit and the flight characteristics are quite realistic. Specially good for helicopters and once you get the hang of it and can hover facing any direction and fly around a few laps without crashing you will be ready to do a half decent job flying a model.
If you cant fly the simulator without crashing you will have no hope flying a model heli.
It will save you a bundle.