Hello smithmi! Welcome to Aces High!
Check out
This Page. Youll find loads and loads of info on how to setup your Joystick, calibrate your controls, set up your views and all that stuff. Its also useful to have the one page key mao printout available next to your keyboard, so you can look up keys real quick.
Then theres detailed description on how to take off, how to fly basic maneuvers, basic fighting tacticts etc etc.
Keep one thing in mind: Flying planes in AH is almost as hard as doing so in real life. Dont expect it to work on first try.... it takes some practice. But given just a little effort, youll get to it quick.
And come by the training arena. Theres usually veteran players or a trainer online that can help you get started. (You have a two week online free trial).
Good luck!