ORIGINAL: Leo L
Consider getting the ParkZone Typhoon. Its a terrific flying plane that can do 3-D.
Since he already has some artf planes I assume he already has radio gear some skip the parkzone RTF stuff, I have heard that airfoilz planes and the superzoom/ sniper are very good 3d planes to learn on, they also seem to fly great in high wind. The zoom/sniper is probably slightly better for the beginner as it is all EPP so its very strong,I would have a look through the forums for these models.