Revealing mistake: As the bridge crew monitors Psi 2000 on the view screen, a glitch in the special effects matte makes the planet vanish briefly and then reappear - twice. (00:12:30)
Revealing mistake: As Spock gets to to the helm position, the whole console visibly wobbles as he hits the controls.
Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).
Captain Defenestrator
Thank you for the info.
Movie Nut