How do I keep Dodo in the air?

Every time I attempt flying the Dodo plane, it stays in the air for 10 seconds or less as it slowly descends to the ground, I believe I'm doing it right for the take off, hold foward on the stick until sparks comes out of the plane then release then gently tap the stick back and forth every few seconds to keep it in the air. But it just floats down no matter what.