On Tue, 03 Jul 2007 23:32:32 -0000, "Robert M. Gary"
wrote:
Seems like the smart FBO would wire
the hobbs to the master to prevent people from running the battery for
no reason.


Even though fuel is used, I actually feel it's beneficial to have the
engine running while I pick up clearances, program the GPS, set the
radios, etc...

On cold days, we get a bit of heat spread around the oil and engine
block before I go full throttle for takeoff. On hot days, the
spinning prop keeps the cockpit cooler. G I do lean the mixture
while ground idling and taxiing, to prevent fouling the plugs. Once
the engine is started, I'm rolling within a few minutes.