Begin with the 20 flight lessons in Helicopter Flight School. They cover flying skills and award License Points (LP); the game description presents Free Flight as the next step after training.
What the lessons cover
The training program includes basic controls and more specialized tasks, such as difficult maneuvers, rescue operations, firefighting, heavy cargo transport, and flying in dangerous weather. The game also features an interactive cockpit with speed, altitude, RPM, compass, and GPS instruments.
What to do after training
After completing the training, switch to Free Flight to explore the open world. The game description lists 12 airports and 30 hidden Bonus LP locations. It also says you can unlock different helicopters and customize your pilot.

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135 players commented on this guide.
I tried this today and it worked better than my old setup.
This saved me time in the early game.
The tips are practical and easy to follow.
This guide answered the exact question I had.