There is a huge selection of excellent kits that are based on electric power, glow ( gas ) power and of course there are gliders. Since I see this is your first post, you may not be aware of the wide selection available today. And you may not be aware of the power options or other considerations that might influence your choice. If this confuses you, just ignore it.

Are you an experienced flyer? If not, will you have help with set-up and learning to fly the plane? I would encourage you and your grandson to join the AMA and to seek out a local club.

Do you have a size and budget in mind that would cover the plane, the radio system and the power system?

Do you have a radio system already, or will you be buying one?


KITS AND GRANDSONS

I don't know how old your grandson is, however I have heard many members of our club tell the story of disappointment when their grandsons are either not interested in building a kit or who become bored with the process very quickly. Many have now turned to ARFs or RTFs to give their grandsons a first taste of flying. They have found the kit to be a good choice for the second project, once their grandsons or granddaughters are hooked on flying. Just something to consider. Today's kids are very accostumed to short time to action and become impatient with a long build process. Your grandson may be different.

I am in my 50s and I would not be flying today if I had to start with a kit. Something to think about.


TYPES OF KITS

Kits are available in wood, foam or a combination of wood and foam.

The wood kits would be considered the more traditional type kits. Today's laser cut wood parts make them very easy to build as the parts really fit together well. And modern CA glue dries almost instantly so you can build the kit very fast. You can also use white or yellow glues if you are more comfortable with those and don't mind the long drying times. Today's wing coverings are also easier to use then the old tissue and dope, or so I am told, as I have never used tissue and dope. .

Foam based kits tend to be faster and simpler to build as there are typically fewer pieces and they are molded into major sections. Covering and/or painting is sometimes unnecessary although you can certainly paint or decorate them as you wish.

Some kits are based on a wood fuselage and a foam wing section for ease of building and ease of repair.

ARFs

Finally there are almost ready to fly, ARF, kits where the major building is done and any covering that is needed is already applied. You will have to do some assembly and fit the electronics. If your grandson is the impatient type, this might be a good path for a first build as you can typically have an ARF in the air in about 6-12 hours as opposed to the typical kit which would be more like 15-40 hours before it is flight ready.

TYPES OF TRAINERS

The glow powered trainers are typically in the 4-7 pound range and in the 50 to 70 inch wing span range. There are excellent choices available. You will need a suitable place to fly them as they are large, need a fair amount of space, and they do make a significant amount of noise. You will need some sort of runway for these planes. Often short cut grass works fine if the ground is not too uneven. An AMA club field is the best place to fly these planes. As these planes are typically heavier than the electric planes, they tend to be a bit tollerant of wind.

Electrics can be as large as the glow trainers and there are some good choices, however the more typical electric trainer tends to be under 2 pounds, with wing spans in the 36 to 50 inch range. Electric tend to be very quiet so noise is less of a concern when you are picking flying locaitons. The electric trainers can typically be flown in smaller areas and some can be flown indoors. While many of these have landing gear and can also take off from the ground, many can also be hand launched and belly landed if no suitable runway is available. An AMA club field is still the best place to fly these planes but many people find they can fly them over sports fields or other open areas because they need less space and are quiet so people are less likely to object.


Either way you will need suitable support equipment whether it be fuel, or a battery charger, you need to have a way to fill 'er up.

Then, of course there are gliders which may or may not have a motor. If there is no motor, then they typically use a rubber launcher to get them into the air, or are of a hand launch type. All are fun.

I am not trying to confuse you or tell you which way to go, but to make you aware of the options so you can make an informed decision. If we understand what you are looking for, we can give you the best possible advice.

I fly gliders and electrics so I can suggest these. Take a look at www.mountainmodels.com as they have some excellent electric and gliders that are wood, wood/foam or all foam based kits. Others can suggest suitable glow trainers.

I hope I have not confused you with too much information.