I first would check for cracks and condensation. The sound you are hearing is probably the contacts opening and closing and is not normal. It might work fine for now but what may happen is the little arcs you are hearing may actually weld the contacts to the element and cause the heater to stick in the on position. I personally wouldn't trust it and replace the heater.
More modern electronic heaters such as the Aqueon Pro shut themselves off when left out of the water.
More modern electronic heaters such as the Aqueon Pro shut themselves off when left out of the water.