Originally Posted by
SetVap
My only thought would be hangar being close to the end of the runway, no one would question starting engines up at a maintenance spot, then fire up, a quick taxi, glance to make sure its clear and take off.
Considering that was probably the most lightly loaded Q400 to ever fly out of SEA, not having been refueled yet and with a crew of one, all he likely needed was a couple thousand feet of Tarmac or taxiway. If you are going to steal an aircraft and are suicidal, an actual runway would seem sort of optional. Upwind, downwind... Why would he have even cared?