Flight crew reported taxiing away from the gate without activating the pilot controlled lighting and recognizing the error only after someone else activated the lighting as the crew approached the taxiway.
Synopsis
Flight crew reported taxiing away from the gate without activating the pilot controlled lighting and recognizing the error only after someone else activated the lighting as the crew approached the taxiway.
Narrative
During our first flight in the morning; leaving ZZZ; we started our taxi on the ramp prior to activating the taxiway lights. We had some distraction due to ZZZ radio delaying our clearance; and a GEN 4 OFF BUS" EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) indication. Time spent running the appropriate QRH and waiting for clearance made an already tight minimum takeoff fuel allowance even tighter; leaving us with only about 100 lb. of extra before reaching the minimum takeoff amount. In our efforts to get moving and avoid returning to the gate; we began to taxi from the gate and while on the ramp still; we saw the airport facility lights illuminate; indicating to us that someone else had turned them on. The lights were on and illuminated prior to entering any taxiway or runway; and remained on through the process of taxi; takeoff; and departure. [The cause was that I] failed to activate pilot-controlled lighting due to clearance delays and the running of QRH procedures of EICAS messages. Consider including pilot-controlled lighting in the crew briefing; and remember to not move as quickly through the different steps and processes when preparing to depart."
Second reporter narrative
While operating the early morning kickoff" flight from ZZZ in "night" conditions we inadvertently initiated our taxi to the departure runway without illuminating the taxiway and runway lights. There were a number of factors leading up to this event. First was the fact that ZZZ is non-towered and you must obtain an IFR clearance from ZZZ Radio prior to departure. After completion of the after-start checklist; the FO (First Officer) called ZZZ Radio for our clearance to ZZZ1. We were told to standby as ZZZ radio indicated they were busy with any other aircraft. We did not have very much taxi fuel available in our fuel plan so this delay added stress to the situation and the possibility of having to return to gate for more fuel.While waiting for ZZZ Radio to call us back the EICAS message GEN 4 OFF BUS was presented. It was successfully reset during the completion of the appropriate QRH checklist. When we finally received our IFR clearance from ZZZ Radio; we had just over 100 lb. of fuel above the minimum takeoff requirement. With all of these distractions I neglected to consider the taxiway and runway lights. After powering out from the gate I taxied the short distance across the ramp to the taxiway. Just as we approached the taxiway; I heard multiple "clicks" on the CTAF frequency and taxiway lights and runway lights suddenly illuminated. We had almost taxied onto the taxiway without it being illuminated. The flight proceeded to our destination without any additional irregularities or delay.[The cause was] forgetting to illuminate the taxiway and runway light prior to taxi because of multiple distractions and the self-induced stress of not wanting to have to return to gate for additional fuel. Never let myself feel rushed and take an extra moment to consider what I may be forgetting when the irregularities start to stack up."
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.