This is more of a boat and the fighter is underpowered and unarmed. The best way to launch is to bring the master throttle for the carrier up to 10% wait for the boat to reach 200 mph (add more throttle if needed). Drag VTOL slider to the top. (this is the throttle for the fighter engine Activate Group 1, This starts the engine on the fighter and detaches it. The fighter should lift into the air. Retract the gear and have fun. NOTE: If you want to fly the aircraft carrier you will have to sacrifice the fighter as you can't control both. The carrier is amphibious but is not a great ground vehicle. For regular carrier flight, Start at the water Takeoff location and retract gear. Slowly bring the throttle to 100% and wait for 350 mph to take off. On landing you can activate group 2 And to deploy the thrust revers when you pull the throttle reverser to the bottom.