I have a uproar 40 with a 46AX and it will take off out of my hand. It has the power to fly straight up out of my hand. Try holding the plane nose up and having someone throttle the plane up and see if it feels like it can do it, Thats how I did mine the first time. And on pulling the gear, I would'nt but thats just me, I would be afraid of of damage to the belly of the plane. I dont think these planes were built for that kind of landing. I know the gear is crap but that just means you have to try and land as smooth as possible. and for the rough landings just bend them back into place. I've bent mine back many times