Hello clockworkz!
First of all: Do you have a Joystick or are you using mouse to control your plane?
In either case, make sure your controller is set up correctly. For instructions to setup Joystick
go here, for info on how to use your Mouse as controller,
check here. Both are help files taken from the
Trainer Corps Homepage - check that page for tons of more info.
If you do not set up everything first, you will not be able to control your plane sufficiently.
Another thing thats very useful to have is the
Quick Keymap reference. Print it out and have it handy while playing!
To takeoff, you can either use the autotakeoff function or take off manually. Autotakeoff is enabled by default, to turn it on/off, go to OPTIONS > PREFERENCES > Flight on your clipboard (ESC key).
Autotakeoff: Hit E to start engine, then throttle up (Joystick/Mouse of SHIFT = on keyboard). Do NOT move your Joystick/Mouse in any way, as that will turn off the autotakeoff. Let the plane climb a little bit, then level off and gain speed before you start maneuvering.
Manual takeoff: Same as above. Start engine, throttle up. Your plane will be pulling to one side (most planes to the left) due to engine torque effects. Lock your tailwheel (pulling 1/3 back on stick/mouse) and use Rudder (twist on stick, A and D keys on keyboard) to keep your plane straight. as soon as you get some speed up (around 100 mph), center stick/mouse and gain more speed. Let the plane lift off SLOWLY. Keep nose low untill youre fast enough to maneuver (about 200 mph).