there are some good ARF's out there if you have a glow engine and radio you can match them to a trainer for a 100$ and your out there. with a ARF you still need to do a little work some assembaly required my sons love helping me work on my planes even if they aren't much help they like hanging out at the work bench .cp140 hit it on the head if he is learning on a glow plane he will be comfortable with that kids love the noise and smoke, either way glad to see your back in the hobby