Occasionally in private when there is no risk to anyone but me. There is minimal, if any, risk to the aircraft which I am comfortable with. Sitting in it doesnt reduce that risk.
I wouldnt do it in a Robbie as it relies on the frictions holding to prevent damage plus the brake makes the process quick enough. There is no brake on the Enstrom,the blades are heavy and it takes a long time to stop.
Never when pax or onlookers present or at a public site, although I would get out if errant trespassers or animals put themselves at risk. Im sure shooing them off is safer than waving from the cockpit while steadfastly holding the cyclic in the middle. Its nice to know the aircraft wont self destruct if this were ever required.
As I said, it used to be standard practice at a local school until comparatively recently. Done it plenty of times at that particular airport but not anymore.
Last edited by Gaseous; 7th Dec 2007 at 09:57.
Reason: To qualify my original glib reply