I recently completed a GWS A-10 and was wondering if anyone had any advise as to the best way to test fly it. I don't know if it is better to hand launch or ground launch?

I'd ground launch it.

If you built it light it is pretty forgiving, I ROG cause I like it that way, others prefer the reduction in weight, less drag, and better looks in the air with no gear. If you have the gear on and want to ROG you will need a fairly long say 100ft of smooth surface, like concrete or asphalt. If you go with the hand launch and are using the recommened CG then be prepared of adding some up trim. Mine flies with what looks like 2-3 degrees of up trim in the elevator. For good flight peformance you should be around 15-16 oz using either a 6 cell nicad or 7 cell nimh (720's). Good luck on the maiden.
Dave

oh yea one more thing, please do the maiden in calm air.

Thanks for the advise
Mark