Thanks for the help guys!
Zayfod, I had read something about that before, but it wasn't very clear. Thanks for clarifying!
Waterman, what you are saying makes sense, however I am not familiar with the landing autopilot. I have read some vague stuff about it and played a mission that used it (didn't work!).
I would think that you have to either have a script or there is some type of command to make a plane take off. To make the transition from the ground to the air. I know there was a mission in the original campaign with A-10's taking off, I might have to de-PBO that mission and try to figure it out, if possible. I have never tried a de-pbo and I am no expert, but not a novice either. But that's why we have these forums, right?
Thanks again and if anyone else can shed some light on planes it would be appreciated.