Flying skills
pilot DAR, if your explanation of why you conduct reduced power takeoff's in light aircraft was intended to impress I am afraid I find it somewhat confusing. Maybe it is because I am a retired professional flight engineer used to using approved procedures and just a recreational pilot. My understanding is that you conduct take-offs at reduced power regularly so that you will be better prepared to handle a partial power loss during takeoff. I fail to understand why, if you believe that you are honing your skills, you conduct the take-off in a non-standard and non-approved manner. I could better understand what you do if you were to use full power to become airborne and, after airborne, reduce power. I am always willing to learn, however I believe the lesson learned must be based on sound principles. You claim that it is easy to cook an engine after taking off from water after an extended takeoff run. I fail to understand how your reduced power "training" has any benefit in the scenario you mention. I have been involved in numerous "de-rated" thrust takeoffs. These were always an approved operation, within clear limits and properly authorised. I am unaware of any published data which covers reduced power takeoff in light piston engine powered aircraft. You mention getting a refresher if flying with an instructor. I would be interested to know what reaction you got from an instructor if and when you carried out a reduced power takeoff. My own personal pre-takeoff planning includes reinforcing my actions. If I were to suffer a partial power loss before airborne I would close the throttle and bring the aircraft to a stop. In almost all cases this course of action would, to me, be preferable to carrying a 'sick' engine airborne. Old fashioned and unadventurous I may be, but I do not believe intentional non-standard operations are justified.