The Flight Crew of a B747-400 and Flight Operations Managers disagreed as to the suitability of an aircraft with a deferred body gear steering system for a long range flight taking off at maximum structural gross weight. The flight was canceled and the Flight Crew threatened with pay loss and/or possible discharge for refusing demands that they accept the aircraft.
Synopsis
The Flight Crew of a B747-400 and Flight Operations Managers disagreed as to the suitability of an aircraft with a deferred body gear steering system for a long range flight taking off at maximum structural gross weight. The flight was canceled and the Flight Crew threatened with pay loss and/or possible discharge for refusing demands that they accept the aircraft.
Narrative
I refused the airplane because the body gear steering was deferred inoperative. We were planned at maximum structural gross weight; 875;000lbs. The deferral states; 'during taxi; avoid sharp turns if possible; to avoid EXCESSIVE tire scrubbing.' I deemed we were unable to comply with this due to the pushback and hard turnout off the gate; and subsequent sharp 90 degree turns to get to the departure runway. I had operational and safety concerns about taking an aircraft with reduced steering capability in the event of a divert into snowy; icy runways and taxiways; on far northern airports with few or no fillets on the taxiways; perhaps requiring 180 degree turns on the runway. I requested a maintenance repair; or a replacement airplane with no success. I was told the airplane was mission capable and my concerns were dismissed. My First Officers all supported me but the Flight Office did not. We all had absences placed in our pay records which were later changed to did not fly. It certainly felt like pilot pushing to me. Side note: Apparently; I was the 14th Captain that morning to refuse an airplane.
Second reporter narrative
A Flight Manager asked the Crew to have a conference call with the Fleet Technical Captain. We again expressed our concerns over taking the aircraft with this deferral. We were actually told it would be easier to make turns since it was icy/slick on the taxiways. We were told by Maintenance that it was not a control module problem but an actuator problem and would take many hours to fix. We were then told by the Chief Pilot that the flight was canceled and we would be laying over in ZZZ at a hotel and fly the flight out tomorrow once the repairs were made; but not to leave the flight office yet. Shortly after; the Chief Pilot brought the entire Flight Crew into his office along with three Flight Managers. We were told that the decisions made by us regarding the aircraft status were incorrect and unwarranted. We were also informed that we may have to fight for our jobs back if it comes to that.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.