Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 366
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Company Policy; Procedure
Upon arrival at our departure aircraft; it was discovered that Station Personnel entered flight deck; turned on an electrically dead (terminated) aircraft; then boarded all passengers without proper flight crew [and] flight deck setup in accordance with FOM procedures. As a result; the emergency lights were left in the OFF position during darkness hours. This represents an unacceptable risk to our passengers should power be interrupted or an evacuation be required. I'm not aware of any case were Station Personnel can initiate an FOM flight deck setup from a terminated state appropriate for boarding with no pilots present. Station Personnel should be aware of FAR's and Company procedures regarding boarding passengers.
Air carrier Captain reported discovering passengers had been boarded by Station Personnel with no flight crew on board; and the emergency exit light switch was found in the off position.