Just kidding! These first pictures are the real plane giving scenic tours. We shared the "airport" all weekend.

Even when traveling to the mountains, you need to get an R/C fix!

Waiting for the fog to lift

Ferias with floats and Lite Stik approach

The Lite Stick was a blast to takeoff and land on the dock. My flying skills were tested as I made only 16 of 20 landings perfectly on the dock. The 4 misses put the tiny slow flyer in the lake which required a complete dry out cycle next to the cottage furnace. Once dry, it was ready to go again!

My Ferias did not have enough power for takeoff from the water using the geared Speed 400 system. I had tested it before our trip several times on land. After a hand launch, it flew great and people along the shore were all impressed with the quiet electric flight. My first landings on water were alot of fun!

I plan to mount a geared Speed 600 system using CP1300SCR cells for improved takeoff power. Since my non-stock wing is a larger 50" design (normally 40"), I should have plenty of lift even with the extra weight of the new power system.

Update:

One year later, I found myself back at the same dock at Clayton's Cottages on 7th Lake near Inlet, NY. This time, I had 3 planes with me.

1) Aventura II

    My new Aventura II worked very well! After several water takeoffs, I realized that I needed to add a water rudder since my steering of the plane while floating was poor. To compensate, I landed the plane about 10'-20' from the beach in the water and skid to a perfect stop on the sand. It was great fun!

2) Ultra-Lite Stik (ULS)

  My 2/3 scale ULS replaced my original stock Lite Stik from last year. The ULS uses 2-cell Lithium packs; 830mAh Qualcomms and 950mAh LiPolys. These provide impressive 20-30 minute flights. Since the plane is so quiet, I often flew it in the early morning when the fog was still rising above the water. It was a blast to fly this relaxing slowflyer while drinking coffee and sitting on the dock bench. Very peaceful.

3) Ferias w/Power Upgrade

My Ferias on floats had a new power system. A Cobalt 4014 motor with a 3:1 gearbox and a 10x7 carbon prop. This was powered by 8-cells of CP1300. The larger 50" wing had plenty of lift for the added weight. I had tested it at home by hand launching it and gliding it to a landing in a mowed grass field.

My first water takeoff with the Ferias, as fate would have it, had a gathered crowd of people canoeing and other watchers from the cottage resort. I tried to down play it by explaining to them that my experimental plane had parts from several other designs. They still seemed more confident than I was...

I powered up the Ferias and taxied out beyond the docks to a more clear area. It tracked very well and I increased power until it came up on step. I just remember increasing to full throttle and the plane lifted off the water perfectly! Everyone clapped and I just smiled thinking to myself how lucky I was to have discovered R/C as my hobby.