The calm afternoon/evening arrived today.
So, with transmitter and plastic bag in a laptop bag, the ugly Spitfire in my hand, and a battery pack in my pocket, I walked to the larger nearby clearing. Some people were out with dogs, so I waited until they got a little further away.
Before I had time to get too tense, I switched on the transmitter, connected the battery and closed the hatch. Control surfaces still moving the right way? Check. Neckstrap on, model in the left hand (I throw better with my left), push the thottle stick a bit awkwardly, brace for the impact.
And it was flying! For the first few seconds I was over-controlling, even with a plenty of expo dialled. Then, it was flying surprisingly steady. I didn't feel compelled to climb to "high" altitudes, so flew circles and figure eights, and such, not too far from me. Power wasn't all that great. It might be the old battery sagging. Still, I managed a strange shaped loop and a half cuban.
I thought I'd need to land it some time, so slowed down. I slowed down too much and it wanted to drop a wing. The first landing was not pretty. No damage, though, so I launched again and flew some circles. The second landing was better but there was a hint of wing drop before I got it down. I need to keep up more speed next time.
The GWS Spitfire is still in one piece.
I told it is ugly (for a Spitfire).
Before:
After: