All good thoughts. Make the steering as slow moving as possible. Ease in the power rather than punching it. Be prepared to give a little right rudder as needed until you get up enough speed to lift off.

Additional note-the ST 51 is on the strong side for an LT 40. They will fly decently on an LA 40. Try a lower pitch prop. An 11-5 for instance. An 11-4 is too light for the ST. But a 12-4 or 12-5, even a 13-4 or -5, may be about right. The ST is torquey and may like a larger, flatter pitch prop. Can't guarantee it, but I suspect it might easier to deal with using a different prop. Props make a lot more difference than most folks realize. I suspect the 11-7 is causing some of your problem. You might like the way it flies, too. Try that and let us know. I'll be interested in your thoughts.