Originally Posted by
tartare
...am I right in getting the impression that this guy left his machine running unattended while he went inside to collect his burger?
That's certainly what it looks like from the video.
Was there anyone else on board?
If not - what would have stopped a member of the public from walking up to and potentially interfering with an unattended, running helicopter?
No, you are not right. There is a pilot in the right seat, the passenger gets out from the left seat and returns with the Maccas bag.
Been there, done that, but with a view to being away from the public and also away from a built up area that could be construed as reason for CASA to take an interest. The Birdsville pub is often seen to have a parked fixed wing or visiting helicopter outside, as are many outback establishments. The Rouse Hill/inner Sydney suburbs? Hmmmmm......