Instead of having the space bar as a way of moving upwards, make the helicopter rotated 90 degrees so that when you press W, the top of it moves forwards. But when its spawned make it automagicly rotate back, to apear normal. That will allow realistic helicopter physics too, like lean forward and press w to move forward, instead of just moving forward.
I thought of that a long time ago, not sure why i didnt suggest it..
Other than that, its definatly better than the GSF Sea Copter. Thats the only other heli i use.