Blackpool is quite happy to accomodate a radio check before requesting initial taxying instructions etc.
However, as a helo pilot, I was never taught to do one of these... my (ex-military) instructors reasoning being, that if you made a request for taxying instructions and no one answered, your radio wasn't working!!
p.s. we have take off speeds specified in the POH (Pilot Operating Handbook). Presume you must have something similar for your fixed-wing jobby...