When encountering turbulence, what is essential for maintaining control of a helicopter?

The essential factor for maintaining control of a helicopter in turbulence is to maintain rotor RPM and positive G's, along with making a decision to land as soon as it is safely possible. Keeping rotor RPM within the specified range is crucial because a decrease in rotor RPM can lead to a loss of lift and control of the helicopter. Positive G's help ensure that the helicopter remains stable in the air and prevents issues like retreating blade stall.

When the helicopter experiences turbulence, it is imperative to avoid over-control, which could lead to further destabilization of the aircraft. Instead, maintaining a steady rotor RPM allows the pilot to cope with the disturbances caused by turbulence more effectively. The decision to land as soon as is safe is also vital since turbulent conditions can escalate or become unpredictable, making it prudent to seek a stable environment for landing.

Other strategies like decreasing altitude or increasing speed may not necessarily mitigate the effects of turbulence and can even introduce additional challenges in control, thus emphasizing the importance of the chosen answer which focuses on rotor RPM and the priority of landing safely.