Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
APU was deferred and we started all 3 engines in the blocks. I believed that the aircraft was connected to the tug. As we started the Number 1 Engine the Ground Maintenance personnel informed us that he thought the aircraft was beginning to roll. Captain applied brakes and informed ground brakes were now set and inquired as whether the chocks were removed (I believe he also asked if tug was connected but not sure). Maintenance said chocks were removed. Captain and ground calmly discussed why chocks were removed without our knowledge and why we weren't connected to tug. Continued start and departed uneventfully. I believe the miscommunication between ground and cockpit caused this event. I was absolutely certain we were connected to tug (we were not) and I am still certain we were never told the chocks were removed. The note in the external air-start saying parking brake should be set should be a warning and the ground and cockpit should absolutely know configuration of outside equipment and chocks. Any time your normal habit pattern is broken; i.e. APU deferred and external air start; you should be extra vigilant.
Without notice; a Cargo Maintenance crew removed the chocks before an external airstart. The aircraft then began rolling with the first engine start because the brakes were also not set.