First of all welcome to RCU. Personally I think what you are trying to do with your son is a fantastic idea!! These next few years learning to fly planes with his Dad will later be remembered as some of the best times of his childhood. I totally agree with Chuck that it is not the age of the child that is important. If he is a determined young man & it sounds like he is, I believe he will learn faster & become a better pilot than those of us that waited until we became old farts to learn how to fly. The guy that is leading the IMAC curcuit out here in the basics class this year just turned 15 yrs old not too long ago. He had 5 first place wins & 1 second place out of his first 6 competitions as a 14 yr old. So it can be done at an earlier age than some people might think.

I don't live very far from Danville, Ca & our club has no such restrictions on age. Just that they be taught & observe proper safety techniques while at the field.

Find your local club & go talk to them. Ask to meet with the instuctors. I'll bet one or more of them will be willing to take on an 8 yr old if they believe he is sincere about wanting to learn & will stick it out. They would also be able to tell you what type of Trainer they would prefer to teach him with. My guess is that will be a .40-.46 size glow Trainer as Chuck said. That would be the best for the both of you to learn to fly together IMO.

Good luck in this venture, I think it will only bring you & your son even closer than you are now, & you will both have lots of great times to look forward to.