“If they can afford it, I suggest they get a piper super cub.
And then there is the small thing called a pilot’s license. Instrument rating a must.
I knew a licensed A and P that never got any pilot ratings, yet flew all around the 48 (stayed out of most controlled airspace). Self taught mostly, even on instruments.
He was developing his own airpark/condo community in Warren County, IL, when he died of natural causes years ago. Airpark dream died with him.
His last bird (that I know of) was a nice Bellanca Viking, which he had restored.
I (Private-MEL-land) taught myself loops and rolls in Piper Tri-Pacer when I was 19.