Q400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
We had completed the before start checklist. I signaled we were ready to start Number 2 engine; but Ramp did not clear us to do so; and I did not start it. I then signaled ready to start Number 1 engine. Number 1 was clear from my vantage point; and the ramp cleared us to start it; so we did. After starting Number 1 engine; I again signaled ready to start Number 2. I was cleared by both the ramp and my F.O.; so I then started Number 2 engine and we departed without incident. I was not aware there was a safety issue until my Manager contacted me today and advised me that the fuel truck was still next to the Number 2 engine as we were starting engine Number 1. I feel the Marshall should not have cleared us to start the Number 1 engine if it was not safe to do so.
Q400 Captain is informed after the fact that he started the Number 1 engine; with a Marshall's concurrence; with a fuel truck parked behind the Number 2 engine.