My $0.02:

I started with the Realflight Simulator and an Avistar RTF set-up. With the help of an excellent instructor at my local field, I was soloing on my third visit.

Now I'm really hooked. My wife (the wonderful woman she is) bought me a BTE Venture 60 kit which I have just started construction on.

I've been very happy with the performance of my Avistar and was happy to have a plane to fly while building another (not in so much of a hurry to complete it). I will admit however that I'm already eyeing a 7 channel radio.

Good luck. He's gonna really appreciate the time you've put into this.

JB

PS-My wife has taken to calling herself the "Plane widow." Just so you know what you're potentially getting into.