Originally Posted by
KC10 FATboy
This is a tough one. The FAA, the manufacturer, and the company decides what goes into the MEL. So since door motor was allowed to be inop, was this really a safety of flight issue?
I understand the company's side of the story. They have a pilot who is refusing to fly over an item that is MEL'able (if that's a word). More so, the item is to ensure the door doesn't hit the ground ... when opened incorrectly. So, how is this going to put passengers lifes in danger?
Safety of flight doesn't mean just safety for the passengers. Crew, ramp workers, etc...your co-workers...need to be considered as well. So what do you do when OPS doesn't answer the radio (because most likely half of their positions had been cut)...and a ramper comes up to open to door and gets wacked? You're the PIC, the FAA will point fingers at you...its easier for them to place blame on an individual than to blame a company. Protect yourselves.