There was a spate of the An124s and the IL76s suffering engine failures on departure about 6 years ago. It was decided that they would run up to full power for 4 minutes on the runway before departing to ensure that everything will continue running normally when they get into the air. Not such a bad procedure I reckon.... Particularly after having gone down to have a look at one of the IL76s when it was in Heathrow and seeing the state it was in. It didn't inspire faith!!