An A320 Captain reported a tire cut which he deemed required a tire change. A Mechanic said the cut was MEL'ed and acceptable. The Captain refused the aircraft and so required an aircraft change.
Synopsis
An A320 Captain reported a tire cut which he deemed required a tire change. A Mechanic said the cut was MEL'ed and acceptable. The Captain refused the aircraft and so required an aircraft change.
Narrative
Number 1 Main Landing Gear (MLG) tire previously deferred. Preflight revealed an additional deep puncture in same tire. Weather was 10 KTS gusting to 25 KTS crosswind and cold. Crew requested a tire change. Maintenance refused; stating that it was deferrable and that it was cold and crew should 'go fly their airplane.' Mechanic repeatedly barged into cockpit; interrupting Captain's PA where we were actually commending the superior quality of our Maintenance Personnel. Mechanic made disparaging comments about the announcement and told Captain that they would not address requested maintenance with out a refusal meter from Dispatch. All actions up to including the stated demand for a 'refusal meter' in order to accomplishing the requested work can only be classed as pilot pushing. There is no FAR or FOM requirement for a 'refusal' to obtain flight crew deemed necessary maintenance. Furthermore; the abusive tone and interruptions in front of the passengers and in my personal workspace was highly inappropriate. A follow on call was placed to FOD; with his assistance; a plane change was accomplished following an unnecessary 1 hour delay.
Second reporter narrative
A log was entered about 10 minutes prior to dispatch. The log stated as follows: 'No. 1 main tire needs to be replaced.' At this time I figured the crew had not read the Maintenance Release; as the tire had been previously deferred. The station Maintenance Controller called and informed me the crew was refusing the aircraft due the log write up. I went to the gate; inspected the tire and found it to be serviceable per Maintenance Manual.
More incidents for this aircraft family →
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.