A B767 Captain departing SBGL discovered that the aircraft had flown in with inoperative APU electrical. Reporter questioned the wisdom of flying over the jungle at night with only two generators.

Date: 2009-07 · Aircraft: B767-300 and 300 ER · Phase: ground

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-less-severe

Synopsis

A B767 Captain departing SBGL discovered that the aircraft had flown in with inoperative APU electrical. Reporter questioned the wisdom of flying over the jungle at night with only two generators.

Narrative

I arrived at the airport in RIO to find that the APU electric was inoperative. I was very concerned about taking the airplane over the jungle at night with only two generators. I was told to call a Chief Pilot; which I did. So my first question is why? The Manager at RIO was willing to give me the other airplane. I also understand that enroute there was to be an airport within 60 minutes. Are these airports supposed to be destination; suitable; or emergency or any combination? Are these airports in the middle of the night in the middle of the jungle supposed to be open? Are the runway lights on at this time? Is the LOC; VOR; or ADF on and operating? Are these airports airports in name only? Before taking the airplane; 'I am a bad person; mean spirited; will inconvenience 200 people etc; etc; etc'. After; if something happens; 'Why did I take the airplane; there was no pressure; that's why we pay you big bucks to be Captain..etc; etc'. In other words heads I lose; tails I lose. Company wins. The question should not be why I did not want to take the airplane; but more appropriately why did the Company send the airplane to RIO without APU electric? Just trying to do my best.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.