Unable to get a/c to take off in FMB + others

[timholt]

I installed the game last night after finally getting my new rig.
I would have been in all sorts of strife had I not had a computer geek sitting by my side solving all the "getting it to work" problems. It is now operating on all settings maxed out
However today, my first real go at playing I have experienced the following problems:

1. I keep losing some my contol inputs (e.g. open/close canopy) - cloud is diabled.

2. I cannot get a/c to take off in FMB. The a/c icon on the map shows it as take off, I save it but when I hit play it always starts in the air.

3. The shadows are shimmering badly (almost had to enable that #$@%^ filter).

Any advice for fixes most welcome.