Simulator Basics for Newbie

[netorius77]

I am very new to the RC scene, but looking at getting a RC helicopter. With no experience whatsoever and no one that I know who can guide me I would appreciate any help/ suggestions.

So, I figure the cheapest way to learn with a limited budget (without paying out big bucks to crash a real copter) is to buy a simulator to learn some basics.

I can get an USB Esky simulator (E1204C) for ~US$50 which seems to be an OK deal. My questions are:

1. Is my logic correct or is there a better idea (like learning on a car first)
2. Is this simulator OK for my needs?
3. Should I be looking at a 2, 4 or 6 channel arrangement?
4. Is my thinking realistic - will I get reasonable co-ordination and learn the basics of flying a helicopter via one of these simulators?
5. Is there anything else I should be aware of before starting out?

Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated, as I am sure there are a lot of enthusiastic people with lots of experience out there who would be willing to spare some advice to a novice. Thanks in advance.

[shaul_eiz]

[netorius77]