Because we have external power we turn the Avionics swtches "on". As the flight prep continues, the Flight plan is entered, Takeoff speeds, altiude info, etc. are all entered. So why do we turn the Avionics "off" before engine start as stated in the tutorial? Do we lose all the info we programmed earlier? I really do not understand exactly what should be done at this stage.I really like this plane but trying to operate it "by the book" is becoming more frustration than pleasure.Can someone set me on the right track please?Regards and thanks in advance.

Yeah, this one comes up often. The right seat guy usually programms the FMS after engine start. The other issue that comes up is about push backs and engines not running during push back but in reality these regional turboprops are almost never in a parking spot that needs a pushback. So, start the engines and then program the FMS; that's about the only way it will work.

Yeah, this one comes up often. The right seat guy usually programms the FMS after engine start. The other issue that comes up is about push backs and engines not running during push back but in reality these regional turboprops are almost never in a parking spot that needs a pushback. So, start the engines and then program the FMS; that's about the only way it will work.

I didn't think the FMS was on the avionics bus. But, to answer the OP, I cheat. I program everything pre-startup and then either 1) fire-up the engine with the avionics on (bad form, but since there's no failure mode, nothing bad happens), or 2) fire up with the GPU and then either using a power-back or a MS push back. I find I learn more about a bird (in sims or in real life) if I have time to just sit there and try different things without the engine(s) running (obviously more cavalier about this in the sim).

Yeah, this one comes up often. The right seat guy usually programms the FMS after engine start. The other issue that comes up is about push backs and engines not running during push back but in reality these regional turboprops are almost never in a parking spot that needs a pushback. So, start the engines and then program the FMS; that's about the only way it will work.

I don't think that's correct, Dan. The FMS does not loose anything by turning the Avionics switches off/on, not on my system anyway. Also, according to the Flight Ops Manual, the FO programs the FMS prior to engine start (page 38).

I am corrected, I think the FMS is powered from the critical power bus... don't remember. Thanks.