Do we fly the way we train and do we train the way we fly? Let me explain by way of an example.
Not so long ago I was involved in a flight where we were two helicopters with four passengers in each helicopter.
The planned flight time was about two hours so both of us had about three hours of fuel.
The first part of the flight involved about one hour twenty minutes of flight time followed by a landing at a mine.
Although landing area (helipad) was big enough for more than two helicopters it was surrounded by power lines on the northern side, trees on the western side, a building on the southern side and open space on the eastern side.
On arrival at the helipad there was no wind and both helicopters approached from the eastern (open space) side.
When it was time to leave there was a light (5 to 10 knot) wind blowing from the northern (power line) side.
Both helicopters had ample power available to do any type of take off whether in ground affect or out of ground affect as both has burned off fuel and both were six seater helicopters with four passengers per helicopter (weight was not a factor).
One helicopter opted to take off to the north into wind (the way we train) crossing the power lines and off he went bearing in mind it had ample power available, but was it the safest option for man and machine??? The other helicopter took off to the eastern (open area) side with a light crosswind but In Ground Effect also bearing in mind it had ample power to spare.
It basically avoided flying into the shaded area of the Height Velocity Diagram, very safe.
I believe because helicopter flying is so versatile with so many "variables" it is very difficult to have a clear cut distinction between what is right and what is wrong.
The important thing I would say is to justify your decision when choosing a certain type of take off- or landing profile.
Always have a plan.
It might not be the best plan but at least have a PLAN.