The Paasche Talon airbrush has been my go-to airbrush for a number of years. Ive now upgraded to an Iwata airbrush but the Talon still gets used regularly.
For a compressor I’ve been using a old pancake style compressor that I had when I started airbrushing. I like it because I can run it and fill the tank then just slowly drain the tank without having to listen to it run. A must have item is an in-line water separator.
Get your son to watch videos on disassembly his airbrush for cleaning. Properly cleaning an airbrush will be the difference in how well it delivers paint. No real shortcuts on airbrush maintenance but after a few times he should be able to do it in his sleep. And pay special attention to the needle, if it’s dropped and the tip is bent it won’t deliver the paint properly.
There will be some growing pains with reducing paint but a little trial and error he should quickly catch on. You can also sign him up at a local art store that may offer airbrushing classes. Something that I wish I had done and still consider doing.