Tradford - helijock and the other guys are right.
I'm not rated Rotary-wing, but the day you first rise into the blue on your own whether wing or blade-borne is one you remember for the rest of your life.
You're quite keyed up, and focusing very intently - even moreso in a helicopter I suspect... so leave the camera on the ground and focus on flying would be my counsel.
Oh - and the recommendations about GoPro are on the money - our family has the Hero 3 Silver - and it's the dog's bollocks - bloody great camera - has filmed Little Tartare and Tartarette skateboarding, skiing, swimming - as well as been bolted to the Ducati while blasting around town.