lightweight, inexpensive speed controllers

[ILAMtitan]

Before moving too far ahead with your project using FRC based knowledge, I strongly recomend boning up on modern RC build practices. I've built several quads and RC planes, and the difference to FRC is night and day.

If you're doing this on a budget, HobbyKing is going to be your best friend. Their forums have a great write up to get started in quads: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/f....asp?TID=38561

After that, there is a rather lengthy post about building your first quad here: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/f....asp?TID=18772

A few last minute tips from my own experience:
Always fly in an open area, since trees suck to crash into.
Don't go as big as possible for your first quad. These things are tough to learn to tune and fly; starting on a smaller platform is much easier.
And last but not least, be very safe. Always treat it like it will turn the rotors on at any moment.

Best of luck.