People who are new to RC flying of helis (or any type of RC flying at all) often ask, "what would be a good absolute beginner heli to get started on the basics".  By basics, I guess they mean orientation, building reflexes and overcome the intial anxiety.  Of course the heli package has to be extremely forgiving in terms of crash costs.

From my personal experience, the E-Sky LAMAs, currently at version 4 (V4), make great beginner helis.  Even people who have never flown anything RC can get started using these.  Note that this is indoor only helis, and one can get a whole ready-to-fly system for under $100 shipped to Qatar. Parts and upgrades are readily available.

These are available in the local RC/hobby stores.

Here is one online merchant who seems to be pretty good on prices, shipping and service.

http://www.rc711.com/shop/index.php?cPath=21  (scroll down to the LAMA V4s)

http://www.rc711.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=126 (this combo has everything including a flight simulator!)

Obviously, simulators are the very first thing anyone should start with, but after those (or along with them), the LAMAs make excellent beginner models.