I have seen the citabria in most hobby shops and yes it runs off a teeny lipo but has a suprisingly long run time.

If they dont have that one you can get the cessna version they are very similar.

Having started in the hobby recently and owning many beginner planes including the t28- I would not recommend it as a FIRST plane unless he has some serious sim time behind him.

As a first aileron plane it is ok I think.