During preflight planning; a B757-200 Captain discovered that a Maintenance Control item discrepancy involving sporadic failures of the right-hand air conditioning pack were not addressed at the next maintenance opportunity as required. Pilot pushing and unsafe maintenance practices were also noted.

Narrative

During flight planning; I discovered a Maintenance discrepancy regarding a Maintenance Control item. It stated: Due to continuing problems with Right-Hand (RH) Pack [being sporadically] inoperative; if hit again [malfunctions] OR at first maintenance opportunity; replace RH Pack Air Cycle Machine (ACM). This Maintenance Control item was dated 49-days ago. Upon seeing this I immediately called Maintenance Control to confirm this aircraft was illegal. Not only did they miss numerous maintenance opportunities within that 49-day period; approximately one week earlier; the aircraft had another write-up on RH Pack being inoperative [again].I contacted Dispatch and advised them of my decision to refuse aircraft. She put me on hold for a couple of minutes; then advised me her Managers felt they did nothing illegal. While not wishing to enter into that discussion; I simply told her I was filing an ASRS report. The B757-200 aircraft was taken out of service and repaired. On the Line; I continue to see a very troubling trend developing. More and more maintenance problems are slipping through the cracks. Or worse; Flight Managers are pushing pilots to take aircraft they feel are not safe. If we continue down this dangerous path I fear it is only a matter of time before we have a hull loss. I cannot understand why the FAA continues to stand idly by while these unsafe practices continue unabated. I will continue to operate my aircraft in a safe and responsible manner; despite any company pressures to the contrary.