During a normal start, the starter remains engaged until ________.

The starter remains engaged during a normal start until the engine successfully starts and reaches a certain RPM, allowing it to run on its own at idle. This ensures that the engine is operating properly before the starter disengages. The engagement of the starter is crucial for initiating the combustion process, and it is designed to remain engaged just long enough to ensure that the engine can sustain itself without assistance.

While there are other conditions and potential functions regarding the starter switch, such as moving the switch to the NORM position or manual, these do not directly trigger the starter's disengagement during a normal start. The time limit of 30 seconds is also a safety feature but is not the primary measure for disengaging the starter under normal operational protocols. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the fundamental purpose of the starter in ensuring the engine is operating effectively before disengaging.