A Line Mechanic describes an ongoing problem with the interpretation of MEL 25-00-11A between Mechanics and Maintenance Control; as to whether or not the MD-88 Aft Galley Storage Compartment Door must be present for a legal deferral.
Synopsis
A Line Mechanic describes an ongoing problem with the interpretation of MEL 25-00-11A between Mechanics and Maintenance Control; as to whether or not the MD-88 Aft Galley Storage Compartment Door must be present for a legal deferral.
Narrative
I was called to aircraft for maintenance at gate about a Logbook item for the Storage compartment door missing in Aft galley. I was unable to locate missing door; so I taped-off the compartment and deferred per MEL 25-00-11A. After aircraft departure our Maintenance Control called and said that the MEL did not cover the door being missing or open. My interpretation of the MEL procedure were to tape the compartment closed. It does not mention securing compartment 'door'; or that a door must be present. Maintenance Control said we need an Engineering Authorization for the MD-88 aircraft to leave with compartment door missing. This seems to be an ongoing problem; because over the years this is exactly how I've seen aircraft dispatched over and over again. All Mechanics and Leads shown this situation and MEL came to the same conclusion as I. I still believe I was 'OK'; as far as how the MEL reads. But a lot of confusion could be solved by simply changing the MEL to read: Secure compartment 'door' closed; or compartment 'door' must be secured 'closed'. I have gone around to fellow Mechanics to explain the situation to try to avoid any further problems.
NASA callback
Reporter stated no one seems willing to address the ongoing disagreement between how mechanics read and interpret the MEL and their Maintenance Control's position that a 'Door' must be present to satisfy the MEL language and Maintenance procedures; for proper deferral of the Aft Galley compartment.Reporter stated the only reason his deferral threw up a flag and was later questioned by Maintenance Control had to do with the Logbook Write-up which stated the compartment door was missing. His deferral of the item specifically noted that the Compartment door was missing and the area taped-off. Most times pilots write up the item as 'door not secured' and mechanics defer the item; noting compartment secured with pressure sensitive tape; no reference to door being missing. The door opens from the bottom; lifts up because it is hinged at the top; and can be slid back out of the way.Reporter stated if the compartment 'Door' needs to be there; than the word 'Door' should be added to the MEL language; which currently does not have any reference to a door.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.