[jack-r-abbit]

It seems like it can hover over land pretty well on take off. I wonder if he sticks to water primarily for the softer landing if things malfunction.

[rdancer]

Most definitely: if he slammed into the ground after the malfunction, there would have been no second attempt, the prototype is too fragile.

Also, water provides uniform flat surface; spectators and their pets are excluded naturally without need for employing a small police force.