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Which of the following does not need to be checked before beginning a normal takeoff from hover?

  1. Power

  2. Balance

  3. RPM

  4. Flight controls

The correct answer is: RPM

Before beginning a normal takeoff from hover, checking various aircraft parameters and conditions is crucial for ensuring a safe flight. While power, balance, and flight controls are essential checks that help pilots confirm the helicopter is ready for takeoff and that the aircraft is stable, RPM typically does not require a specific check before initiating this type of takeoff. RPM is generally monitored continuously throughout flight operations, and its levels are usually stable if the helicopter is functioning correctly and is already in a hover. Pilots focus on power, which ensures that the engines can produce adequate thrust, balance, which checks weight distribution for stability, and flight controls to ensure responsiveness and proper function. The RPM, being monitored as part of routine operational checks, is not considered a standalone prerequisite before hovering takeoff, making it the appropriate choice in this context.