Wow - you have all been really helpful. I'm debating now between a kit or ARF. He would definitely enjoy building the planes (he is into engineering and product design), but maybe I should just get him the plane to fly with and then he can choose whatever plane he wants next and then build that. I'll have to think about that one. (And we actually live in different cities so the mess of building isn't my problem!)

I'm intrigued by the rc flight simulater. Any good ideas on where to get more info on that? And what's the normal price range for these kits and ready to fly planes?

As for the marriage proposal...I'll have to pass. I admit that I am a cool girlfriend, but I think it would be quite odd to put all this effort into my boyfriend but be engaged to some other rc junkie! : )