ptarp- RF is better in helis (from my limited ability), but AFP is "I'll say it" much better at 3d. I would have no hesitation tell someone to buy AFP over RF.
I have extensively played (modified) with RF's planes and came up with a few that 3'd fairly well. That being said, stock AFP is better period. They are both good tools to train someone to fly.

Now my gripes-AFP does not have usb or firewire "only"compatability, you must always plug in the serial port adapter. When I first received it I was really p'd off. I did not read the system requirements. The computer I wanted to us it on only had usb and firewire. Now that I have it on an older computer everything is hunkydory. I still have some problems with coping models and getting the colors and modifications to stick but I found away around that.

All in All I would have to recommend AFP. Now my son likes all those different planes that are on RF, he's 8 so what does he know, war birds are his passion now.