Narrative:

After the completion of both engine starts; and during the after start checklist I noticed that almost all of the overhead panel lights were not working. I reached up checked the rheostat and inverter switch. After cycling a few times; there was no result. I contacted the company and it was decided that we would return to gate to address the issue. Upon returning to the gate I spoke with maintenance. I had asked if someone would come out and take a look at the airplane; the response was 'a mechanic is not required; this item can be MEL'ed.' according to the current MEL the entire overhead panel does fall into that category. I told the them I would call back as I was going to discuss the matter with my first officer. After a brief discussion we concluded that the current lighting conditions were not safe for flight. I then contacted the dispatcher and told them this. They then brought out a mechanic and the flight was canceled after an hour and a half because they didn't have the proper parts to return the aircraft to service. Upon returning to work the next day I was called by crew scheduling to inform me that I was being investigated regarding the incident. This particular MEL states that the flight crew must be in agreement with the current lighting conditions prior to dispatch; and I was well within the responsibilities as the PIC to make that determination.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A regional air carrier Captain was investigated by his company for his refusal to accept an aircraft for a night flight with the overhead cockpit lighting deferred inoperative. The MEL under which the deferral would have taken place specifically required the concurrence of the Captain.

Narrative: After the completion of both engine starts; and during the after start checklist I noticed that almost all of the overhead panel lights were not working. I reached up checked the rheostat and inverter switch. After cycling a few times; there was no result. I contacted the company and it was decided that we would return to gate to address the issue. Upon returning to the gate I spoke with maintenance. I had asked if someone would come out and take a look at the airplane; the response was 'a mechanic is not required; this item can be MEL'ed.' According to the current MEL the entire overhead panel does fall into that category. I told the them I would call back as I was going to discuss the matter with my First Officer. After a brief discussion we concluded that the current lighting conditions were not safe for flight. I then contacted the Dispatcher and told them this. They then brought out a Mechanic and the flight was canceled after an hour and a half because they didn't have the proper parts to return the aircraft to service. Upon returning to work the next day I was called by Crew Scheduling to inform me that I was being investigated regarding the incident. This particular MEL states that the flight crew must be in agreement with the current lighting conditions prior to dispatch; and I was well within the responsibilities as the PIC to make that determination.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.