Home HVAC: Should Condenser Fan Ever Stop?

[gmercoleza]

I noticed yesterday that my condenser fan wasn't running at one point, although the compressor sounded as if it was running. I panicked and ran inside and shut everything off, then when I went outside about a minute later, the condenser fan was running. It was spinning smoothly, no bearing noise or anything abnormal.

Is this behavior normal? Should the condenser fan ever be stopped while the compressor is running? I always thought the two turned on at the same time.

BTW, the A/C works fine, blows cold air. I just want to be safe...