Im a private pilot and worked on F-18's in the Marine Corps.

The plane takes off when the lift of the wing overcomes gravity. This is a function of airspeed, nothing to do with the ground at all.When you take off you set the flaps to make the wing have more curve, this increases lift. As long as air is moving over the wing the plane will take off as long as it's not chained down. Lift is created by pressure differental. Small airplanes are always chained down a Cessna 172 will take off around 75mph. I've seen them fly two inches off the ground during a storm right in place while being chained.

On Aircraft Carrier operations you always take off into the wind to help with the airspeed. The ship also helps by going fast into the wind. On a fully loaded combat air patrol you need very bit a help to get loaded bird off the ground. I've seen the fat ones disappear below the deck after launch and then climb. Those Navy and Marine pilot have huge brass balls



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