So, while it is labeled 'experimental', the craft is not a homebrew. Just rare enough to fall below the number needed to escape experimental status, as the owner's wife reassuringly explained to me. I was convinced enough to watch. As the pilot finished his assessment and boarded, I contemplated the costs and benefits of a self-powered glider. On one hand, the engine generally becomes less critical to maintaining air worthiness. On the other, the lack of a tow plane puts a renewed focus on the aircraft during take-off. Not much different from any other small plane in that respect I suppose. My contemplations of disaster were cut short by the sound of the prop being spun up. 'Put put proom', followed by the familiar 'brrrrrrrr' of a prop aircraft, the vehicle was poised to begin its majestic journey upward.

The plane lurched. And died.

"Uh. Hmm."