I'm not trying to be negative. Actually, I've had pretty good luck with hand-launched airplanes. Being left-handed, I can keep my thumb on the stick and still give it a good throw that doesn't qualify me for the Special Olympics. Easiest hand-launch I've ever had was my Outlaw with a piped .35AX. Point it up and let go. Never should have sold that fun little bird. My main concern is that our field gets really small at about 150-160 mph. If I have a chance encounter with a cottonwood, I'll be lucky if I even find anything. We have several go MIA every season. I'll ease into it as you suggest. I should be OK, but I know better than to be TOO cocky.