Typical "bench" break-in is on a run-in starnd, using a prop. I have also done break-in on my heli, with the heli clamped down, running with blades (and it is a good time/way to check your tracking too!). Others break-in flying, but obviously, that is not for a new pilot! The key is to heat/cool the engine to allow it to settle in - steady hover won't do that, but autorotations will! I have also seen pictures of folks who built "head loaders" so that they can run without blades, but I have never done this, so cannot make a call one way or the other. You DO still end up with spinning parts, just not full size blades . . . .

- Tim