Marauder, go for it and get the Blade! At $180 are you going to be able to buy a car? If you do crash it, more than likely the parts are going to be cheaper. 4 bucks for a set of 2 rotor blades.
I really suck. Just been trying to get it up a few inches and hover it. Getting better. Still haven't flew the Axe much. It's going to be a lot more of a challenge.
The sim will really help. Don't have one now, but had one for the planes.
Not trying to derail your post, Chicken Leg. Good luck with your rig.