Thank you nascarjoe, My thoughts were to purchase the airplane and engine for my father and then a giftcertificate to help with the extras needed.
I just really need to decide between Gas or Electric, ARF or a full trainer kit in which he would build. I am leaning towards the building to keep him busy over the winter.
I have been told the Great Planes PT 40 Mark II trainier is a good first airplane to get started on. From tower hobbies it comes as a combo with an o.s. 40 l.a. engine.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you
Darren