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Air carrier dispatcher reported a known incorrect MEL that would allow dispatch with TCAS inoperative into countries that do not in fact allow that condition.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1286218 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201508 |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | MD-11 |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Dispatcher |
| Qualification | Dispatch Dispatcher |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural MEL Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy |
Narrative:
At block time MEL 34-55-01 was added; TCAS entire system inoperative. Maintenance knows the MEL manual is incorrect; we go through this often with them. Asia and india have never allowed this deferral. I told maintenance I was absolutely certain; no doubt at all; it could not go; and I would not file it with TCAS inoperative. The crew called and completely agreed.the reason maintenance thinks it can be deferred is this is how the MEL is written; 34-55-01 traffic collision and avoidance system (TCAS) -- entire system B 1 0 (O) (M) may be inoperative provided: system is deactivated and secured; and enroute or approach procedures do not require its use. Remarks or exceptions note(s) countries requiring TCAS (e.g.; india and china) will allow MEL deferral of an installed TCAS system or components.they do not allow this deferral; and never have. We have repeatedly tried to get the MEL changed to no avail. This is one of the biggest flight safety issues we have; without TCAS the crews are defenseless when they need to route around weather etc. They get little assistance from china ATC. I tried to file a flight a few weeks ago without TCAS; happened on taxiway; aircraft could be fixed overseas; and they would not accept it either. The MEL must be changed; maintenance knows this is a no go; but always quote the MEL; and become quite belligerent about it.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: Air carrier Dispatcher reported a known incorrect MEL that would allow dispatch with TCAS inoperative into countries that do not in fact allow that condition.
Narrative: At block time MEL 34-55-01 was added; TCAS entire system inoperative. Maintenance knows the MEL manual is incorrect; we go through this often with them. Asia and India have never allowed this deferral. I told Maintenance I was absolutely certain; no doubt at all; it could not go; and I would not file it with TCAS inoperative. The crew called and completely agreed.The reason Maintenance thinks it can be deferred is this is how the MEL is written; 34-55-01 Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS) -- Entire System B 1 0 (O) (M) May be inoperative provided: System is deactivated and secured; and Enroute or approach procedures do not require its use. Remarks or Exceptions Note(s) Countries requiring TCAS (e.g.; India and China) will allow MEL deferral of an installed TCAS system or components.They do not allow this deferral; and never have. We have repeatedly tried to get the MEL changed to no avail. This is one of the biggest flight safety issues we have; without TCAS the crews are defenseless when they need to route around weather etc. They get little assistance from China ATC. I tried to file a flight a few weeks ago without TCAS; happened on taxiway; aircraft could be fixed overseas; and they would not accept it either. The MEL must be changed; maintenance knows this is a no go; but always quote the MEL; and become quite belligerent about it.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.