First, ditch the manual and bookmark www.trainworld.us instead. It's is much more helpful. In basic,
click then up/down arrows to set the number of plans. Then click the "ready" button. Wait for the green
plane button to appear (takes time to prepare the plane for take off). Click the green button to launch
the plane then press the number key corresponding to the plane(s). Then you right click to sent them to
a location. To switch make to ship controls, press "r". To reslect the plane, press the corresponding
number key. Trainworld has more comprehensive explaination, but this should get you started.