RE: Newbs need to start off with trainers!
If your dad has a decent computer buy him a simulator.
Then make him a bet.
IF he can sucessfully take off and land the pits or other high perfomance plane in the simulator,in FIVE tries or less, YOU will buy him what he's asking for. If he doesn't make it then he has to fly the RC trainer YOU choose for him.
I'd go with a slow stick myself.
MTC YMMV
Tom