I would not use timeline for this. Also split your problem into 2 problems:
- later on you probably want to make levels, follow plane some path etc. So first problem is how to make player pawn follow path
- second problem is how to display plane like it is following that path (or around it).
For first problem:
- create camera that follows path (for now just follow do not make it pan or move to the sides)
- make pawn that is just a ball, steer that ball around path (use spline for it)
For second part:
- calculate (remember in array of transforms or locations) where ball was sec ago and where it is now
- rotate plane to align with those 2 points
- add plane animations like barell rolls etc.