If he is a fast learner, a trainer with semi-symetrical wing wouldnt be a bad thing. If he learns quickly, like alot of people do around here, then he will have a little more time till he outgrows his trainer. Plus it won't bore him to tears once he learns the fundamentals.

You may be able to tell if he wants to build a plane from a kit, rather than buy from an ARF (almost-ready-to-fly), by simply this: Is he a "tinker type"? Building a kit will be more time consuming by far, and you will have a few extras to buy that you wouldnt need firstoff for an ARF. Such as: knives, adhesives, epoxy, covering for the airplane, special covering iron, and other minor building tools... Building a kit will also require more room, a flat table, and you not minding the mess and sawdust floating through the room...

And, Absolutely find an instructor for at least his first few flights. He will also need to be an AMA member. You can get a membership form at your local hobby shop.

However, if he does crash his plane, only the $99 ARF airframe will be destroyed. He will most likely have the engine and radio gear still in operable condition; Maybe less a little mud...

Hope this helps, and good Luck