Hi Mark,
Very nice gesture, and sounds like a good idea. :-)
If you tell us the city you live in, it is very likely that there will be some CL flyers near you. Many have extra planes and you may be able to buy a truly "Ready to Fly" plane that is already trimmed with a broken in engine. Given your mission, I'm sure any CL flyers in your area will be more than willing to help get you and your Father airborne.

If you are in the SoCal area send me a PM. I have a few extra planes, and I will get you both in the air.
Plan B:
As others have mentioned, you will enjoy an ARF from Brodak. My favorite is their excellent Flying Tiger P-40, your dad may like this semiscale profile plane as well. As Steve said, the Cardinal is a popular favorite and I do like mine. Both these ARFs are very easy to assemble and your RC skills will make it even easier.
There are several minor mods that make these ARFs even better, but the only mod you really "need" on the two above ARFs is the push rod to the Elevator. Just contact Jim at CLC and tell him which plane you have and he will send you a ready made CF push rod setup with ball links custom made for your plane.
Jim's excellent CL web site:
http://www.clcentral.com/I think your father would really enjoy the nostalgic trip to his past. :-)
Regards,
