Im new to this hobby as well, Let me tell you from expereince PLEASE.... STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING OTHER THAN A HIGH WING TRAINER!!!!!!!! I made the mistake of trying to start in glow fuel with a Mustang... It is now in about 12 different pieces, two really large peices and 10 small random pieces of balsa and plywood. Also I would have to agree with Flyinrog if the bf has mentioned he wants to try an R/C plane then go ahead with a trainer, if not you really may want to be sure its something he would be interested in. GOOD LUCK.