Try this take off procedure if you dare .... 1986 offshore Brazil crew change flight departing drillship helideck.
10 pax mount up and doors closed
Pilot pulls lever up until torque gauge needle moves right round into the red
Pilot lowers lever and by sign language asks 1 pax to leave
Pilot pulls lever up again and torque gauge needle sits firmly in the red
Pilot "beeps" up engine RPM and helicopter still remains stuck to the deck
Pilot lowers lever and asks another pax to leave ( by now there is no need to ask for volunteers!)
Pilot raises lever and hey presto we are off the deck (just) and shuddering into translational lift.
Did wonder if he had read the book on weight & balance & required power etc ?
