The ability to fly can transport a hero to the scene of a crime quickly without facing the hassle of traffic jams. Flying is also an effective means of combat. The hero can drop heavy equipment from high up to thwart a foe, build a strong momentum for an attack or avoid a foe's counter strike by flying. In itself, flying isn't a very serviceable super power, but it augments the other powers of a hero.
The ability to dole out heavy, damaging blows and easily absorb physical damage without feeling much pain is an important ability. It lets heroes battle for longer and subdue their enemies more easily. Super strength has useful applications outside of battle that a hero might have an interest in as well. Super strength can help a hero defend a region against damage during natural disasters or assist in relief efforts after catastrophic events.
The ability to read minds can help heroes to predict and prevent crimes. By himself, a hero usually wouldn't be able to outright oppose an enemy single-handedly, but telepathy allows a hero to secretly sabotage crimes before they take place. The ability to transmit thoughts through non-verbal means can have surprising benefits as well. The hero can share his plans and concerns with allies and even send distress messages without alerting enemies. A hero can also inject her ideas into the minds of others in the hopes of manipulating them to her will.
The ability to control the elements is a popular hero power because it has so many powerful uses. Being able to create or halt natural disasters on a whim can easily determine the outcome of a struggle. The hero can call a wind to wipe away enemies, immobilize someone in ice or start a fire. Elemental powers require precision, though, or the hero can end up destroying vast areas of land and killing civilians.