I have been taught by a number of instructors, including my FIC instructor, to only do a L/R drop-no stop check. My understanding is that the dead cut is a pointless check and can damage the engine. You are confirming that the magnetoes are earthing correctly by the drop-no stop check.
Time to check the manufacturers handbook me-thinks.
------------------
0 to 2000ft in 10 minutes
[This message has been edited by climbs like a dog (edited 19 January 2000).]