Learn the maneuvers like you would learn the script of a play. "Chair fly" everything - over and over and over again. Sit in the aircraft and visualize what every instrument should be reading through all the phases of a maneuver. Have your instructor fly the maneuvers while you describe what is about to happen. Write bullet point cards for every maneuver, and review them before your practice sessions (in the helicopter or in your chair).
The penny will indeed drop.
