Less Exciting!
Recently there has been a great deal of attention surrounding the need for helicopter pilots to accomplish a "hover check" prior to departure. The FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary defines a hover check as: "…when a helicopter/VTOL aircraft requires a stabilized hover to conduct a performance/power check prior to hover taxi, air taxi, or takeoff". I absolutely agree that pilots should take a moment after bringing the ship into a hover to ensure that they have the necessary performance to accomplish their desired task. However, the "hover check" is NOT the time during which a helicopter pilot should determine their flight control authority!
All aircraft manufacturers have placed within their checklist(s) a method and time sequence for a flight control check. These checks are designed to ensure that the helicopter's flight controls are unobstructed, have the necessary authority, and make the correct inputs to the rotor system(s). It is important that pilots follow these required checks.
However, the last opportunity for a pilot to detect an issue with the flight control system (prior to flight) is during the actual process of bringing the ship into a hover. As the helicopter becomes light on the landing gear, and surface friction lessens, the requirement for timely and correct flight control inputs becomes increasingly important. This is where we should make the final determination; and if we bring the ship slowly into a hover we will have that opportunity.
If the pilot is behaving in a professional manner…bringing the ship slowly into a hover, he/she will have an opportunity to detect a flight control issue before flight. Of course, if such a problem is discovered, the pilot needonly put the collective back down. However, should the pilot "rip" the ship into a hover…he/she is eliminating this last opportunity to ensure the ship is safe for flight.
Flying a helicopter in a professional / safe manner is often less exciting (less impressive to some) than flying like "Magnum P.I." But isn't that the point? We should always seek less exciting; your passengers will appreciate the professionalism!