Help Requested
I was recently asked by a helicopter pilot if there is any legislation, or data of equivalent status, that specifically permits or prohibits the sole pilot of a helicopter from exiting the cockpit with the rotors running and I couldn't give a difinitive answer.
The question arises from the perenial problem of ensuring that all doors have been properly closed - with the seatbelts inside the helicopter - after dropping-off passengers and continuing with a flight. No qualified ground-staff are present.
Yes, I know the Flight Manual states something like "..pilot to remain at the controls until the rotors have stopped..." and may be construed as the answer to the question, but this is usually an item of the engine shut-down procedure and therefore it could be reasonbly argued that as the pilot does not intend to shut-down, then this requirement is not applicable.
Can anyone out there point me in the right direction?