Initial advantage to a flier, perhaps? (5)

I believe the answer is:

start

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'initial advantage' is the definition.
'start' can be an answer for 'advantage' (start is a kind of advantage). I'm unsure of the 'initial' bit.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for start that I've seen before include "Onset" , "open" , "Commence" , "Begin; flinch" , "Begin - opening move" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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