Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 21; Flight Crew Total 713; Flight Crew Type 575
Distraction; Time Pressure
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Human Factors; Weather; Procedure
This incident occurred on the FBO ramp.  I was on a volunteer mission for Angel Flight to pick up children and take them to a special camp.  Upon landing; I taxied to the ramp and saw my patients waiting outside. I throttled to idle; set the parking brake; and set the throttle tensioner and did not shut the airplane down.  I quickly exited the plane; loaded the children and got back in the airplane.  The decision not to shut down was based on two valid reasons.  My airplane is extremely difficult to hot start when it has been immediately shut down. I was very concerned about severe weather which was approaching from the west and possibly being stuck [at this airport]. I was comfortable with the existing weather and was trying to leave in a timely and safe manner.  I was also concerned about the perception that the parents might have if I experienced extreme difficulty starting the airplane with their children onboard.  I fully recognize that leaving an airplane; even momentarily; is not without risk but I feel that the parking brake and throttle lock minimizes those risks.  I believe that it was necessary to leave the airplane running and always strive to be a conscientious and safe pilot; especially when doing volunteer Angel Flight missions. I would in most situations shut the engine down; but do not believe that any FAR Regulations require me to do so.  This landing and takeoff was without consequence and no other airplanes were involved. I completed my mission and returned home without incident. I am reporting this incident because an unknown pilot has reported this. He confronted me on the FBO ramp and became very aggressive toward me while I was loading the children.
PA-32 pilot left his engine running to board passengers for an Angel Flight due to concern that the engine was very difficult to restart when warm and weather was approaching the field.