Fiskars Detail Craft Knife, Exacto Hobby Knife for Crafting, Arts, Modeling, Scrapbooking Supplies for Adults, Durable Aluminum Body, Included with Protective Cover, 6.21", Orange

Does he want a static (plastic) model kit or a radio control airplane. From what I can see the radio control (RC) flying options are expensive - around $300. In the plastic model space there's plenty around that price point, with enough for a basic assembly toolkit too - you don't need much - just a craft knife and liquid plastic cement. Added bonus a can of aerosol primer and a can of basic color (those can start to add up to be fair). As far as what models - probably something classic like a WW2 british Spitfire or American P-51 Mustang would be easy. Scale wise - 1/72 is pretty common but small - that would result in a plane about 8" circular size. 1/32 is 16" across. 1/48 is about 12". $31 - https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-North-American-P-51D-Mustang/dp/B0BN82TBGF However, you might want to find a local hobbyist store and see what they have in stock, as they'd be able to set you up with a cement , craft knife, and spray paint. $9 https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-87038-Extra-Thin-Cement/dp/B000BMYWYC (should be cheaper in a store imo).$7 https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Exacto-Precision-Crafts-Protective/dp/B001A42CTW/ $10 https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-America-Surface-Spray-Primer/dp/B0000WRZZG (essential for the real color to stick properly). $10 https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Spray-Lacquer-TS-17-Silve/dp/B000BN7CY8 It can get expensive buying every little bit of paint - this would just give a nice finish, bear in mind he'd need to use masking tape to keep the windshield clear. Here's a written guide of someone who built it.https://imodeler.com/2025/03/tamiya-1-48-p-51-mustang-2/ Anyway, not suggesting you absolutely go and buy this from Amazon, just to give you an idea of what you'd bare minimum need.