Thanks for the ideas so far.

KW, I would be with him when he flies. But, I have no experience with RC planes either.

Missileman, I like the idea of the simulator (though I'd probably have to get him a plane now as well, even if we left it in the box.) Can I use the controller from a plane (like the Firebird Phantom pkh recommends) to control the simulator as well? Or do I need a special controller with a USB output or something?

Any recommended simulators?

Thanks,
Eric