Hi. I'm new to the R/C airplane so I don't know much about it. Whtat would be the best begineer plane? It would be for my dad. Probably electric, price within about $200.00. Thanks Matt

Your best bet is either a Slow Stick http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHCJ2&P=7

or an Easy Star http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML

The Slow stick you will need to add your own radio, battery, battery charger. The plus side of the Slow Stick is that it can be flown in small areas (baseball infield while learning, then in the back yard). The downside is that it does not like wind much over 3 mph. While the plane is balsa/film construction, crash damage will be minimal due to it's light weight and slow speed.

The Easy Star is 100% complete - radio, battery, charger, etc. The plus side to the Easy Star is that it can handle 10 mph winds. The down side is that you need a substantially larger area to fly in. At a minimum, at least while learning, is an area the size of 3 football fields. Once you have learned to fly, you can probably get away with an area the size of 1 football field. This plane is made of foam. It can withstand A LOT of punishment with little or no damage. When damage does occur, it can usually be easily repaired with some 5 minute epoxy and/or white glue. DO NOT USE CA ON FOAM. Unless it is a foam safe CA, the CA will destruy the foam.

Hope this is of some help.

In addition to those mentioned by Campy, two electric, slow-flyers I have seen be used quite successfully for learning basic rc flying are;
Wing Dragon ( http://www.hobby-lobby.com/wingdragon.htm ) from Hobby Lobby -- complete with radio, battery & charger
SoarStar ( http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=SFM1000 ) from Horizon Hobbies -- includes motor, otherwise requires electronics.

Thanks for all the info guys. it really helped. I think he'll like the Easy Star the best maybe because it is made of foam. Matt