when I creep forward on takeoff I feel like I achieve more momentum than any kind of aerodynamic lift. How do I explain this? 

It's all smoke and mirrors 

but that's not what keeps you flying so who cares

The forward movement is cleaning the disc of turbulent air which will create lift if you don't continue to push forward.

In still air.

Clean air over the disc? What kind of hoopty explanation is that? Clearly it's momentum at work 

you could explain it 

There's actually a takeoff technique called the 'cushion creep' It sounds like what you're explaining is something like this technique. Not that any of the JH faithful would know of it or how to use it though (Including me!) It actually involves finesse and skill; not union, not HAA, armchair piloting, poor spelling, poor grammar, or any of the other usual banter found here. 

with momentum and has nothing to do with what the  op is talking about

does not generate lift. airspeed does. that's why an airplane can be flying with zero groundspeed or zero momentum. a stationary object has no momentum but it can fly. interesting a pilot would not understand the most basic and fundamental principles of aviation but then again look where we are.

is airspeed

moving a 70 MPH has a lot of momentum. why can't it fly?

enlighten me

An object at rest has a momentum of 0. This helps distinguish momentum from inertia. An object must be in MOTION to have momentum. 

I can hover in any direction all day long and never take off if I don't reach ETL.  As long as I keep moving, I have "momentum" in every direction but no lift, so what's the point of "momentum?"  In order to take off I need to keep increasing that "momentum" until I reach and exceed ETL, or I'm never going to fly, but only hover.

OP, is this a serious question?  If it is, you really need to go back to where you got your training and ask for a refund!

I have been flying fires for 5 years. It's a serious question

5 years!  Wow, I'm such a putz.  Please forgive me your highness!

On second thought, I started flying professionally in 1980, have been shot at on three different continents, have over 11,000 hrs TT, more than 2000 hrs of NVG time and over 1200 of night unaided time.  I've flown HAA and fires since leaving the military and made enough $$ with my ATPH flying the last 8 years of my career to recently retire with my 25 years younger than me wife.  Oh, and you're the putz because, Jr, even though it is a "serious" question, it's a STUPID question!

Rant over.  

How great of you to share your resume. Let's get you back on topic, Francis. Momentum > Etl 

 I find that gas station breakfast burritos really do provide too much afternoon momentum.  Maybe it's the coffee but anyway... same-same when talking helicopter momentum.

"Momentum" is simply movement (thrust) in a direction.  ETL is an aerodynamic principle related to helicopter flight that explains how a rotor disc becomes more effcient and, thus, provides greater lift and thrust at a given power setting.  I.E., at, and after, ETL you need less power because the rotor disc is much more efficent as it stops recirculating air and leaves those vorticies behind the disc.  "On topic" enough for you? 

BTW, it's still a stupid question and the fact that you can't seem to grasp the really basic and simple answer really bears witness to the actual issue; and it isn't "momentum vs ETL." 

A product of the more recent public education system?  Little Johnny, does is 2 + 2 equal?  6!  How, so close!  Don't you feel good about yourself? 

huh?