FSRobert,
A few more cents to add what has been said by the other guys in case you or anyone interested need these FWIW:
1) Understanding basic helicopter flight dynamics behaviors (pitch, roll, yaw, vertical lift/thrust, etc.) and how each responds to its various control inputs (cyclic stick, collective/throttle and pedals) are critical to flying a helo properly. Many that don't pay much attention or skip this part thinking its very similarly controlled to that of fixed wing aircraft end up in frustration or simply quit and find flying helos difficult, not enjoyable which is quite the opposite..
It's true that flying a helicopter demands more concentration and manual multi-tasking skills compared with fixed wing but it can be more manageable with persistence and frequent practice..until it becomes instinctive or "second nature" not to mention the challenge and that exhilarating feeling that you can fly something which very few can (without crashing)..
2) Every helicopter flight begins/ends with a hover after/before touchdown. Try to practice and master fundamental hovering maneuvers like the stationary hover (10-15 ft. AGL, zero groundspeed, fixed heading and altitude, preferably over a helipad), hover taxi (10-15 kts. forward flight, 20-25 ft. AGL at a constant heading) as well as pedal turns (starting from a stationary hover on a certain heading and try turning left/CCW and then right/CW 360 degrees while maintaining a constant altitude). In addition, you may also do pedal turns at a controlled rate in 90 degree increments, pausing momentarily after each turn, until you return to the original heading, both CW and CCW. Gently compensate with cyclic controls to arrest any drift and attempt to move back to the center of the helipad or estimated position using reference point/s before proceeding. Keep turns as tight as possible. Practice these until you are comfortable doing it and you'll be ready for advanced maneuvers as well as do cool tricks like what Steve has depicted in his Eddystone Rock medevac screenshots!
But even with an autopilot, you still have to transition to your desired position, heading and altitude with a stable hover before engaging it to do other tasks...
3) A good flight stick with throttle/collective control capability (or at least with a twist-grip for rudder/yaw control) and set of pedals (better) are a must for properly flying a helicopter. I've heard from others claiming in using a yoke or even keyboard with mouse instead of a joystick but yet to see if they can do stable hovers and precision landings with these..
4) Unless you have chosen your favorite helo and accustomed to flying it more than any other, the stock FSX Bell 206B III Jet Ranger is a good trainer to practice since it's tame, easy to hover, has basic VC navigation functionality and good outside visibility (important also for peripheral situational awareness). In P3D, it think the only helo is the Robinson R22 that's included in default (?) but if you have any helo (freeware or payware) that fits the criteria above then it will serve the purpose..
I know these are a lot to take if you want to fly a helo confidently but each can be progressively done in small steps. Hence, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE... Also remember that it is not only WHAT you practice with, but HOW you practice that's equally important... Goodluck and godspeed
