I returned today to the lake, ostensibly for the second attempt to take flight, but found myself so uncomfortably nervous that I ended up refraining from any attempt, despite the immaculately calm cool and sunny conditions.
I haven't abandoned hope of flying the floating Trainstar, rather that I didn't want to risk flying it when very much not in the zone. As I'm sure I've said before elsewhere, flying when you're not all there is an invitation for disaster, something I've proven repeatedly.
However, there is a fine balance between tenacity and dogged stupidity. The problem is you don't know where the line is until it's been crossed, with evidence posthumously clarifying with hindsight. However, there is a very familiar feel to this chapter, learning to fly all over again, very much like with the Floater Jet; I don't know why the takeoff run is all over the place, yet I don't want to give up. But I'm also wary of carrying on regardless and ending up with a capsized plane.
On the plus side, however, is the fact that the floats are oversized, have been positionally optimised and have proven to be a very stable setup. Also, the Trainstar has actually taken flight, and landed basically by itself, needing nothing more than a straight-ish run and a nudge on the elevator.
So, what's all the panic about? Well, I don't have the takeoff run under control, as I mentioned. And I wasn't even sure it'd fly, although that has been demonstrated, even if only briefly. And, if things really go pear-shaped, I have a rescue boat at hand, which would actually be fun to try out even if the motivation for the outing may be less so.
So, in reflection, all I need to do is put the Trainstar on the water and get it running reasonably straight.
Really not a huge drama...
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