Just a passing thought that we as pilots should bear in mind.
The debate has identified those situations where the rolling take-off can reduce the problems caused by FOD or snow/sand/dust. We have to concede that this is a judgement-call of the sort we get paid to make.
That said I cannot support the notion that routine running take-offs from runways on public transport flights is a 'good thing'. It's not!
The customer's view is that he wants the helicopter to be operated at minimum risk to his employees (the passengers). This means that you WILL establish HIGE and you will thereby determine that your expectations with regard to the mass of the load carried and the power (Tq) used in the HIGE are realistic and as you expect.
There was a recent case of a 332 being found to be 600lb over the MCTOW after the crew questioned the manifested load from the platform and had it checked after their safe arrival at base.
Mistakes do happen!
I've always thought that what marked chopper drivers out from their ignorant fixed wing cousins is that we have a lot more sense than to sit at the end of a piece of concrete, wind the engines to full chat, let the brakes off and then hope that you will get airborne before the concrete runs out.
Much better that you get airborne first, check all is well, then blast off into the blue.
G
