Rotor blades, control rods/links/hardware, drive belts/clutch, fluids, fuel sumped, tail rotor.

Make an honest airworthiness call (91.213); when in doubt, don’t fly. Document the squawk.

Can jam controls or exit a door into the main/tail rotor — secure everything.

Approach/depart in the pilot’s view, never toward the tail rotor; stay low; wait for the pilot’s signal.

Clear the area (rotor/tail arcs, bystanders) and call ‘clear’.

Smoothly — watch engine & rotor RPM rise together; avoid abrupt clutch engagement.

Gauges green, governor/correlator holding RPM, hydraulics (if fitted) checked, controls free & correct, area clear.

Stop and investigate — do not pick up to a hover hoping it clears.