I'm just a newbee in RC airplane but I do own the Futaba 6EX 2.4 Ghz and the only bad thing I can say is there is no timer function. I really don't understand why they didn't add this simple function ?? I will have to buy a separate timer and afix it on the transmitter. 6 channels for me is enough but you might investigate a bit more to find out what type of plane he plan on using and see how many channels he will need. 2.4 ghz is quite interesting for a new radio.