Newbie, many questions

[obiter dictum]

When I take off and move the controls to take it off the automatic pilot, the plane will begin to roll to one or the other directions.  I haven't touched my stick.  I notice that the bar close to the  rudder indicator begins to move.  It's hard to try and learn to fly when I cant even seem to make the plane fly straight.

Also, I hit the key for flaps, nothing happens.  I hit the key for gear, nothing happens.

[Innominate]

Check the keys you have set.
Flaps and gear can't be activated above a certain speed(the exact speed depends on the plane)

As for flying level, make sure combat trim is on.  It keeps the plane roughly trimmed for level flight.  It won't be perfect though, and will require correction.
To fly perfectly level, hit "x" and use the autopilot.

[Odee]

hit CTL+X for 'combat trim"    

Now what is causing the plane to roll one way or the other is a combination "1 part user input and 3 parts engine/propeller torque..."    Best thing to do is let the plane get off the ground and settl into a gradual climb.  then hit "X" key twice, (once turns off auto-speed and the second engages level flight auto-pilot...

I'd be happy to work with you online if ya think ya need it badly enough.  Personally, I think you already have a good grasp of the flying mechanics and just need some tweaking here and there.

[Flittt]

sounds like stick spike to me... recal

[Flittt]

oops misread the post
try to trim thr plane after takeoff.... i think default is i down, k up j left l  right , might be wrong, got trim set on j/s myself

[Leslie]

Make sure your joystick is calibrated.  If you're using Microsoft Precision II, you may have to reinstall the drivers to get the stick to respond.  After that, recalibrate, and that should fix it.



Les