prophex, happy birthday! There are commercially available engine stands used for breaking in an engine, or you can use an extra motor mount that you have laying around. Just attach it to something secure. MAKE SURE THE MOTOR WILL NOT MOVE OR BREAK FREE OF THE MOUNT--HOWVER YOU DECIDE TO MOUNT IT. Put a prop on it (as recommended), and start it up. You will have to have (of course) a fuel tank hooked to the engine. Try and make sure the tank is at the recommended level (or, if you can't find that info out, just place the tank a little below the carb). Hook up the fuel lines and go. The manual should tell you how to break it in, but you'll want to be a little rich at first. However, you don't want to be too rich, as this will cause problems because the engine will not get hot enough for the cylinder to expand properly, and you will cause a lot of stress on the connecting rod. (I'm assuming this is an abc engine). Also, have some provision for the exaust, because these engines can give off poisonous gases, and you don't want to be inside of a closed room running this engine. We usually do it in a workshop, and put a piece of metal pipe over the nipple of the muffler, that ends in a gallon jar. That way, the excess oil will be collected in the jar, and not on your floor or walls! Stay out from in front of, or on the side of the propeller. It can come off. Just be very careful. After a couple or three tanks of fuel, it should be about ready to fly. THere are way more qualified people on RCU to help you out, but that is my 2 cents worth. Just follow the directions on breaking it in. But, as far as operating it on a bench, yes you can. Make sure it's secure, though. And, I mean secure with bolts and nuts, not screws. Good luck