Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 2500; Flight Crew Type 350
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
We departure in our normal configuration with the APU running. Shortly after takeoff we noticed light smoke in the cockpit and cabin. We requested a priority landing and were given vectors to back to the airport. At this point we shutdown the APU and immediately the smoke started to dissipate. We reviewed emergency procedure for smoke in the cockpit and made a normal landing without incident. After the pax deplaned we started troubleshooting with our Mechanic. As such; we started just the APU and after a couple of minutes we turned on the blower; immediately we started getting smoke in the cockpit. At this point we shutdown the APU.With the APU stowed we did a battery start on the engines; and taxied the aircraft to run up spot on the field; set the brake and increased power to climb. After a couple of minutes with no smoke or odor we determined that the problem is with the APU. After consulting the Aircraft's Master Mel list we determined we could dispatch with the APU being labeled inop.After consulting with maintenance over the phone I determined the aircraft was safe to operate per 91.213. At that point we took off empty to destination and landed without incident.In retrospect I am concerned that we may have or not have dispatched with other inoperative equipment.
C560XL Captain reported noticing smoke in the cockpit shortly after takeoff resulting in a return to the departure airport.