Thanks to all for your comments and fixes. What a community! Each are valid in their own right. I really appreciated the full startup procedure before DCS Update 1.2.6 as I use the Gaming mode.
I'm not a purist in any sense of the word, but have been playing these helo sims since my C64 days and Gunship from Microprose. That should take some of you back a long ways. For me, it is the convenience when playing the Missions and Campaigns which at times require a cold start.
Others in this forum have experienced other bugs associated with this problem in DCS 1.2.6 where it appears the change in startup procedure was made. For me specifically, I would get CTD when attempting to uncage or otherwise use my laser once I got airborne.
On a plus side, I have forced myself to learn the startup procedure and, well, I still find it inconvenient. That's not a negative, just my preference.
Again, thanks all for your comments and assistance.
Sincerely,
Rick Iwanski
Dale City, VA