The backwards takeoff is controversial, if only because you are going backwards downwind in the early stages which is why it shouldn't be done in single-engined helicopters because when the engine stops you will go down vertically and not get back into the departure point.
The other thing about it is that it should be done dynamically, which is what keeps you out of the H/V curve. This means it shouldn't be done too slowly - the 76 I believe requires a rate of climb of 1000 fpm, so if an engine quits you have momentum behind you. The other reason for not hanging about concerns the tail rotor - you will have full power pedal at the top of the climb, which is a very vulnerable position to be in. If the tail rotor goes you are stuffed. The truth is that people are so twitched up about engine failure they forget the rest of the machine.
Last edited by paco; 10th June 2026 at 04:30.