Where there is insufficient power margin to lift-off vertically, an alternative take-off technique should be applied. In case it is not possible, then the Commander should take the decision to reduce the helicopter's mass as much as required so as to be within its performance take-off limits.

An alternative take-off technique may be a rolling take-off. The helicopter is accelerated along the ground, until translational lift, reduces the power required and lift-off is possible.

Similarly to the rolling take-off, a Cushion Creep take-off technique may be applied, but the helicopter hovers In-Ground Effect and then accelerates just above the ground, until translational lift, reduces power required and climb is possible. This technique is useful when the ground does not permit a rolling take-off, such as when taking-off from a helipad.