Definately speak to the guy who is going to teach him and follow his advice.

If he wants a glow/gas plane there are serveral that seem to get good reviews. All are over $200 but here are some to consider.

Tower Trainer - $259
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXCXF4**&P=ML

Avistar - $279
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMU53**&P=7

Of course with gas/glow planes you need other things but these are the basic packages.


If he wants to consider Electric planes rather than glow/gas then you can easily get on under $200

Here are some examples:

READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box
These also glide well so you can thermal soar
with them under the right conditions.


Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 -
I have flown the slo-V. My RTF of choice for small spaces.
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/tm.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...240x180_nb.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8

T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $150-170
This company is really putting together some outstanding
packages. I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Get the Extreme value package. It comes with extra wing,
tail and battery. This palne stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Buddy Box 72 MHz trainer system - $279
This is really unique!
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/t72rtfpatrpa.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html

Easy Star - RTF - $180
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Super tough foam. Comes with 72 MHz radio in the US.
Good parkflyer and a good glider
Radio in RTF package can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Add Ailerons - Start at post 195
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&page=13&pp=15
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...5&goto=newpost

Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $110 -
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 600 flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane. Flies well and stands up to hard
landings. Their add on fun accessories for night flying, air to air combat
and drop
module add to the fun! The combat module makes a great lost plane locator,
even if you don't plan to fly combat. Great keep in the car plane - take
off the
wing and it goes back in the box fully assembled. Most can't do that!
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h...challenger.htm
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/a...nger_loops.wmv

Hobbico Sky Fly - $100
I own one of these. About the best landing gear and ground
handling of the planes I list here. If you have a hard runway, this may be
your best choice for ROG and runway landings.
NOTE: There is no reference in the documentation as to the range of the
radio. An e-mail from Hobbico suggests 500 feet. I can say with confidence
that I have had two of these out about 1000 feet with no range problems at
all. So I would say 1000 feet is safe under most conditions and adequate to
this
size plane. Your range experience may vary.
This is the least aerobatic of the planes listed.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV7&P=ML
Video
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/hc...961-deluxe.mpg
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489248
Discussion thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...t=493271&pp=15
Recommended wing reinforcement by mdp17681
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...8&postcount=16



Hobbico Red Hawk $70
This is a very low cost 3 channel plane. It is good for low wind conditions
but lacks the strong response needed for aerobatics or flying in stron wind.
It is a good value for the price, especially when compared to the 2 channel
planes commonly seen at this price. It looks very much like the Aerobird
Challenger, listed above, but is not as responsive or aerobatic in stock
form.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV8&P=ML
Reports
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...&postcount=131


ESSENTIAL ADD-ONS AN POINTS TO CONSIDER

When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.

For the Aerobird, Red Hawk and the Sky Fly
1 Spare wing and tail ($15-25) and 1extra battery pack (about $20 each)

The T-Hawk comes with spare wing, tail and two battery packs,
so factor that into the price and you will see it is closer in price
than it first appears.

For the Slo-V, two extra props and 1 gearbox seem to come in handy
as this is a front motor plane and these parts really take the damage
of nose in crashes. Don't know about other parts. The others are
pushers so props are less at risk. Add that extra battery pack.

The Easy Star really does not need a spare wing or tail. The wing is
very tough and very repairable. The Easy Star is a little heavier than
the others, so add-on battery packs should be at least 7 cell 900 MAh
2/3A or 4/5A battery packs, if you are using the RTF charger. The
Aerobird 7 cell, or the Parkzone 7 cell packs will work if you don't mind
changing connectors. The Easy Star RTF stock 6 cell is OK in calmer
conditions but get 7 cell add-ons. Figure at least 1 added battery
pack at $25 each.

If you have an 8 cell charger you can go to 8 cells, 9.6V, on the Easy
Star, but no more or you will burn up the motor. Be sure to check the
balance with the different battery packs.

The Easy Star, the Slo-V and the T-Hawk use standard modular electronics.
Makes it easy to replace parts or to upgrade the motor at a future date, if
you wish. The Easy Star RTF uses a standard 72 mhz radio equipment in North
America. The T-Hawk has a 72 MHz radio option as well as a buddy box
option. Or you can buy it without the radio and reciever and use your own.
All the others are 27 MHz.