To avoid kick outs when I don't have a second guy to foot my ladder I set the bottom of my ladder against a solid structure, usually a foundation, and walk it up or down with locked out elbows for safety and less muscle strain. I just looked at a job that will require a 40 foot ladder which I don't own, so I'm thinking rental.
Tom I own a 40ft and i have used it maybe 3x.. rental is the way to go!! My new rule now, is if i can reach it with a 32ft or walking the roof, I dont do the job.