In my vocabulary ARF means a few hours of assembly (2-3 hours in an evening)[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
RTF means you get everything you need, except transmitter batteries, BUT[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]you get a transmitter that only has 3 channels and when you want to go to 4 or more channels, you have to buy another transmitter, or tear that one apart, and insert parts to expand it. You do not write like a "tear-it-apart-guy".
Your son does not want a "toy" looking plane, so that eliminates the Hobby Zone "Birds" and some fun learning.
SO: the Sig Rascal for about $159 is a beautiful plane, but you will have to get about $200 more in radio equipment, and batteries[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] I already had that when I bought My Rascal (Purple)[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
Bottom Line: a "toy" plane (2 channel, or 3 channel Firebird but not the II) let you learn how an airplane flies, in ways you cannot get from a book. Then you are ready for that Rascal, or Super Star, or some other larger 3 channel plane. Good luck, and happy flying![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]