sharpshooter - environment is more than just air pollution. Main issue I was talking about was noise pollution. Threads on RC forums all over the place are full of people saying how as populations grow the number of sanctioned fields were you can fly glow reduce in number as they are shut down due to noise complaints.

You aren't going to get a full system including the LiPo for $20-30 (just the same way that you don't get enough fueld for 200 flights in the price of your glow motor). But you will get a cheery little outrunner and speed controller.

Take a look at http://www.unitedhobbies.com - they have plenty of stuff, but I'm sure there are heaps of others.

Not sure why you are bothering to go to college - seems like you know everything already . Best of luck.

Cheers,
oz.