The examiner I use for type ratings told me that the CAA require an auto to the ground on the type test, but because the people doing the type test generally only have 5 hours or thereabouts in the machines he gets them to receover the auto at a sensible height, whilst he brings the power back in and then do a powered landing.
In his words, if the CAA were watching they'd think it was an auto to the ground.
He does EC-120 type tests, PM me if you want his details.
Cheers
Ace