the syringe method is usually used with small engines, i.e. cox .049. i've never seen anybody use a syringe on anything larger than that. to fill up my 40 sized plane, the syringe would have to be the size of a soda can. i've always used a manual pump just because they were recommended to me when i started flying and they tend to last longer than the electric ones. but what do i know? i'm just a newbie, too!