Thanks for all the feedback guys. i understand what you are all saying and the etiquette but what I am looking for is an official "who" should give the OK to start the beacon. I too have sat in a closed aircraft with not a ground agent in sight but having start clearance (no passengers on my aircraft!). How to attract their attention? either flash the lights or flick the beacon on. What my colleague is saying is I am not "allowed" to start the beacon until the ground agent has confirmed that I can! and I know ther have been issues with flashing the lights. So when faced with the situation of no ground agent on headset or in view at the front of the aircraft...........
I suspect there is no legeslation on the subject but just want to be sure.
Thanks
nobby