1 2 3 4 5 Figure 9-12.  The helicopter takes several positions during a normal takeoff from hover.  9-12 Common Errors Technique Normal Takeoff from a Hover 3.  Improper use of the controls during crosswind  operations. 4.  Failure to maintain proper rpm. 1.  Failing to use sufficient collective pitch to prevent  loss of altitude prior to attaining translational lift. 2.  Adding power too rapidly at the beginning of the  transition from hovering to forward flight without  forward cyclic compensation, causing the helicopter  to gain excessive altitude before acquiring airspeed. 3.  Assuming an extreme nose-down attitude near the  surface in the transition from hovering to forward  flight. 4.  Failing to maintain a straight flightpath over the  surface (ground track). 5.  Failing to maintain proper airspeed during the climb. 6.  Failing to adjust the throttle to maintain proper rpm. 7.  Failing to transition to a level crab to maintain ground  track. While accelerating through effective translational lift (position  3), the helicopter begins to climb, and the nose tends to rise  due to increased lift. At this point, adjust the collective to  obtain normal climb power and apply enough forward cyclic  to overcome the tendency of the nose to rise. At position 4,  hold an attitude that allows a smooth acceleration toward  climbing airspeed and a commensurate gain in altitude so that  the takeoff profile does not take the helicopter through any  of the cross-hatched or shaded areas of the height/velocity  diagram. As airspeed increases (position 5), place the aircraft  in trim and allow a crab to take place to maintain ground track  and a more favorable climb configuration. As the helicopter  continues to climb and accelerate to best rate-of-climb, apply  aft cyclic pressure to raise the nose smoothly to the normal  climb attitude. A normal takeoff from a hover is an orderly transition to  forward flight and is executed to increase altitude safely and  expeditiously. Before initiating a takeoff, the pilot should  ensure that the proper checklist has been completed and  the helicopter systems are within normal limits. During the  takeoff, fly a profile that avoids the cross-hatched or shaded  areas of the height/velocity diagram. Refer to  Figure 9-12  (position 1). Bring the helicopter to a  hover and perform a hover and systems check, which includes  power, balance, and flight controls prior to continuing flight.  The power check should include an evaluation of the amount  of excess power available; that is, the difference between the  power being used to hover and the power available at the  existing altitude and temperature conditions. The balance  condition of the helicopter is indicated by the position  of the cyclic when maintaining a stationary hover. Wind  necessitates some cyclic deflection, but there should not be  an extreme deviation from neutral. Flight controls must move  freely, and the helicopter should respond normally. Then,  visually clear the surrounding area. Start the helicopter moving by smoothly and slowly easing the  cyclic forward (position 2). As the helicopter starts to move  forward, increase the collective, as necessary, to prevent the  helicopter from sinking and adjust the throttle to maintain  rpm. The increase in power requires an increase in the proper  antitorque pedal to maintain heading. Maintain a straight  takeoff path throughout the takeoff.