Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Human Factors; Procedure
After conducting what I thought was a normal flight; while passengers disembarked; a jumpseating pilot advised us that we had conducted our takeoff without runway lights. If this was the case; it was due to my lack of utilization of the available pilot controlled lighting. Contributing factors include the aircraft lights that illuminated our position on the airport so well that I didn't realize the lack of lighting. Also; the ground was snow covered which; when combined with the ambient light; gave the illusion of a fully lit airport. In fact; while in position on the runway for takeoff; I even advised my FO to 'stay on the centerline' as we didn't have centerline lights!! Also contributing was my unfamiliarity with this airport. I need to have a heightened awareness of conditions at uncontrolled airports and properly get things set up for our operations!
Did not ensure runway lighting was on for departure from ZZZ; [an] uncontrolled airport at the time. Aircraft lighting; cultural lighting and runway markings were illuminating the area for takeoff; but we did not turn on the runway lights. Assess and ensure all available lighting is turned on at uncontrolled airfields to prevent possible issues. Use briefing to catch lighting requirements and discuss the lighting conditions at the airfield.
CRJ-700 flight crew reported departing airport with no operating Control Tower without runway lights.