Yes, it will work. But that does add two extra connectors and an electronic device that likely won't, but can fail. Lipos don't last as long as NiCds either. If the point is to just get the plane in the air and get a permanent power setup later, I could see doing it. But if he's committed to flying this plane, there's no reason not to buy a standard receiver battery to mount into the plane and be done with it.