Well I flew the Alfa with skis today. It Flew and landed quite nicely. It was a little slower, and more "Scale-like" With the extra weight from the ski's which made me happy as it was not unrealistically darting around through the sky. As for taking off, I need a bit more practice. In order for me to keep the plane tracking straight, I have to start out giving it around 80-90% right rudder, and about 90% up elevator. I learned that I must ease off right rudder as well as and most importantly up elevator as the Alfa gains speed. I had a few premature lift-offs causing the plane to bank sharply to the left and cartwheel. Thank goodness there was plenty of powdery snow off the edges of the 30ft wide snowmobile trail I used as a runway. The plane suffered no damage.

Now I just need to work on some muscle memory. I need to advance the throttle slowly and constantly to WOT, and as I pick up speed I need to relax the right rudder input as well as the elevator input all simultaneously. This sounds like a job for the simulator!

I have to say, though, it is so much more fun flying this bird with skis as opposed to handlaunching/bellylanding. It comes in nice and level and touches down smoothly and glides along the ground for about 30 feet or so before it stops. After I get more practice I would love to do some touch-and-go's! AFTER more practice, that is!

~Noah