According to regulations, what is required for a takeoff in a rotorcraft under VFR conditions?

In the context of rotorcraft operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, ensuring that there is sufficient fuel is a critical safety requirement. The regulation stipulates that the helicopter must have enough fuel to reach the first point of intended landing and an additional reserve of at least 20 minutes of flying time. This requirement is primarily established to account for unforeseen circumstances that may arise during a flight, such as encountering unanticipated weather changes or needing to divert to an alternate landing site.

Having this fuel reserve helps ensure that the pilot can safely manage the flight, addressing potential emergencies or delays while minimizing the risk of fuel exhaustion. It emphasizes the importance of thorough pre-flight planning and situational awareness in aviation.

While reviewing safety inspections, verifying passenger weight and balance, and completing a preflight checklist are also important pre-flight considerations, they do not directly address the critical fuel requirement that ensures the rotorcraft can complete its intended flight safely. Therefore, having adequate fuel, as stated in the correct answer, is paramount for safe flight operations under VFR conditions.