Air carrier Captain reported an aircraft refusal due to multiple hydraulic system deferrals.
Synopsis
Air carrier Captain reported an aircraft refusal due to multiple hydraulic system deferrals.
Narrative
Flight did not operate ZZZZ-ZZZ due to MEL 23-XX which had a deferred Air Driven Pump (ADP) and deferred Center Hydraulic Motor Generator (HMG) with MEL 24-XX.Due to the center ADP and HMG being inoperative; I determined that it was not safe to operate in the event of an additional system failure. While discussing the plan of action with Dispatch; I was conferenced with Maintenance Control and spoke with Maintenance Controller; who requested clarification regarding my decision to declare the aircraft not suitable for flight. I explained that the decision was based on a reduction in redundancy to a critical hydraulic system. During the discussion; it was stated by maintenance controller that the aircraft would likely be down for several days and that repositioning it to ZZZ; a maintenance base; might be preferable. Additional comments were made regarding the age of the Boeing 767-300 fleet; the use of refurbished components; and prior operations conducted by other crews with similar deferred systems. These comments did not address the specific safety concern raised and were not directly related to the criteria.After I reiterated that the aircraft remained not suitable for flight; the conversation concluded; and Dispatch and I were aligned on the decision. Over the following two days; my crew and I reported for duty and remained at the airport for up to five hours each day while Maintenance Control continued troubleshooting the aircraft. During this period; I made multiple attempts to conference with both Dispatch and Maintenance Control to obtain updates on maintenance progress; however; each request was declined and I was repeatedly informed by Dispatch that Maintenance Control was unavailable to speak.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.