The design of the R22 in particular is not very pilot friendly but it's a 'price reduced way of flying' and soooooo those intent on flying these machines must be taught how to fly these machines in the safest way possible. The big problem here is that the R22 has very little 'forgiveness factor' and any slight error can end in total distress.
The R22 was not constructed as a training helicopter BUT due to economies, training schools were forced to adopt them in preference to better and more forgiving models.
The R22 does a good job in the hands of a properly trained and regularly re-trained pilots flying in SUITABLE weather conditions.
Slightly trained and under-supervised low hour pilots are at tremendous risk of attending an accident.
They are in my opinion NOT the helicopter of choice to fly around UK, or anywhere off an airfield. Had it the fumble factor of many of it's competitors then maybe I would venture to reccommend it's cost virtues.