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Helicopters are a lot different to their fixed wing counterparts in this respect to the way you are taught:-
With fixed wing craft the instructor will take the craft to a safe high altitude before handing the controls to the trainee, so he can discover the effect of the controls, after a certain period the Instructor will take control and land the craft. Your progress as the trainee is often measured by the amount of time the craft is taken out of your control by the instructor. The last things to be learnt is take offs and landings.
With Helicopters you start from the ground upwards, it can even be done alone (although not recommended). The model should be set up by an experienced pilot and also set for a beginner (a must, Helicopters won't fly unless they have been setup correctly). However once the model has been set up and flown by an experienced pilot, and you have been given a demonstration of the effects the controls have, it all down to you (or up!). You can go out by yourself and teach yourself (although not recommended), starting by opening the throttle until the skids are light on the ground (but still on the ground) and then slide it around on the ground to see what the various control inputs do, try and achieve controlled movements, putting it where you want it not where it decides to go. With time you will be able to reacted instinctively and put the correct control commands to counter the models antics and position it where you want. You will learn at your own pace which is the best way to start off with, If you have the patience to practice and you don't try to progress to fast, there is no reason why you should damage the craft whilst learning.
Also training aids will help with the initial scuttling around i.e. training undercarriage .
To learn faster I would recommend you seek a club and a member that is willing to help with your progress and set milestone's for you to achieve, also when it comes to hovering and forward flight their help will become invaluable as with the aid of a buddy box they can take control when disaster is immanent (a few pounds saved not only in sweat but also your wallet).
Another aid to learning is that of Computer simulators, but they are not a total substitute for the real thing, but should be used just as an aid:
Simulators
There are many on the market (See below) These offer you the ability to learn to fly & progress by using your PC and not risking damage to your valuable equipment. Most modern simulators are extremely realistic and require Windows 95 upward and a Pentium spec PC. (Pentium II + Recommended) All the simulators, unless stated, simulate both helicopters & aeroplanes.
- CSM V9 Simulator (486/Pentium Spec)
- CSM V10 Simulator (Pentium +)
- Truflite 3D (Pentium +)
- Realflight Deluxe (Pentium II +)
- Ikarus Piccofly (Pentium II +) (Only simulates the indoor Piccolo Model)
- Ikarus Aerofly (Pentium II+)
To be able to hover solo, with the aid of an instructors guidance at a club, could take anywhere from 2 months to 6 months if you fly twice a week, it is very much up to you and your ability. To be able to past your 'A' Achievement level as laid out by the BMFA should take no longer than twelve mouths, but once again this is up to the individual on the effort he puts in.
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Beginners Guide to Model Helicopters - Traplet Publications
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Setting up R/C Helicopters - Dave Day
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Curtis Youngblood's RC Helicopter Book of Questions and Answers.
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Model Helicopter World Magazine: Monthly Publication covering all aspects of radio controlled model helicopters - Traplet Publications
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Ray's Authoritative Helicopter Manual:- This is the most comprehensive and informative guide to model heli building, setting up and flying ever. The large format, 8 1/2" x 11" manual has 218 pages providing step by step theory with over 460 photos and 115 technical illustrations and offers invaluable advice and tips for both novice and expert model helicopter flyers.
Good Videos:
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From Buying to flying Video: - First time buyers video showing the different types of helicopters to look at & also the learning process you can expect to go through. Traplet Publications
Safety of yourself and others including property is paramount, also third party insurance should be a must (although not a legal requirement) before you attempt to fly, joining the BMFA will give this cover, or any affiliated clubs.
