RE: radio
welcome miranda! nice to see another lady pilot here.
there are MANY radios that can support multiple airplanes and both air and heli in one radio. there's lots of questoins that can help us help you make a decision...
1. what brand does he fly now? you will want to consider whether or not you need to stay with the same brand to be able to continue to use the receiver(s) he has now, or if you're going to sell of his brand x stuff to go to your new choice, brand y.
2.what price range are you looking in?
3. have you tried checking locally for used equipment, which may be less expensive?
4. how complicated are the airplanes he is flying/looking to fly? if he is looking to fly 6+ channel models or complex aerobatic or other types of planes, then a higher end radio such as the 9C may be something he is going to need anyway, and buying a radio inbetween will just be a waste of resources.
have a great day!