Jet/Long Ranger/206
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 19.1; Flight Crew Type 2560
Other / Unknown; Distraction; Fatigue; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Human Factors; Procedure
On a helicopter; EMS delivery; the aircraft was shut down and the oxygen supply was left on for the benefit of the patient. In order to save battery voltage I turn off all non-essential electronics including the anit-collision light and position lights. When I began my before starting checks I identified the switches with my fingers; but did not switch them to the on position. The violation occurred when the aircraft departed [the] helipad during night operations with the anit-collision and position lights in the off position. Also flight was continued underneath the Class C airspace for about 3 minutes with the lights in the off position. No incidents were encountered however this is not in compliance with Part 91 and dangerous operating close to a busy airport. I believe that the main factors [were] changes in habitual start procedures and fatigue. First I identified the light switches; but did not switch them into the ON position. I believe this is a result of always have the position and anit-collision lights on beforehand. In an EMS helicopter; the aircraft has to be started quickly and safely. This is done by pre-positioning all switches during the initial preflight. Since the position and collision light are always left in the ON position I was accustomed to the switches always being ON. Second; the flight was a midnight flight. I went through the checklist and knew the lights had to be on. I even identified the lights; but did not think to turn them on. The flight continued for three minutes when I was adjusting the instrument lights and noticed the anit-collision lights and position lights were off. The lights were then switched on and the flight continued back to base. I think this can be corrected in addressing lighting requirements in the crew brief. Both crewmembers where outside and didn't think to notice that the aircraft lights were off before takeoff. Crewmembers can be informed that during night operation the position and anti-collision lights must always be on; and if they see something different to communicate with the pilot. Also more diligence should be practiced with flights that occur outside normal hours. Take a minute and perform double checks before actually strapping in to ensure the checklist is being followed attentively.
At an intermediate stop; a B206 pilot turned off the anti-collision and position lights to conserve battery power and then took off without turning them on.