CC7118/CC7119 - Flight deck window - defect ignored
Initial Report
CC7118 Defect to aircraft ignored
The Commander’s flight deck window was unserviceable and would not open correctly, the Commander cut their elbow trying to force open. My operator sent a new Commander who was stronger and would accept the aircraft. Engineering acknowledged it does not operate correctly. I don’t feel that is the right or safest attitude to have when something so important is clearly not working correctly.
CC7119 Flight deck window safety
One Captain couldn’t open the flight deck window and hurt and cut their elbow. My operator ignored this and didn’t change aircraft or cancel flight but instead sent another Captain who could open it but clearly the window isn’t entirely safe as it’s a struggle to open. Engineering even wrote down it was unserviceable.
comments
Company Comment
For this report, and in any instance where equipment is inoperative, the correct procedure was followed, and engineering were contacted. The sliding window, although stiffer than usual to operate, could be opened and the aircraft operated safety.
However, it’s important to reaffirm that our operational processes do not involve assigning or selecting crew members based on perceived physical strength. This is neither a measurable nor appropriate principle in a professional environment. Describing colleagues in such terms would be both inaccurate and inconsistent with our values. All crew members must be treated with dignity and respect.
CAA Comment
The commander has the authority to decide if they will accept an aircraft. With unserviceable equipment, they must decide this based on the information within the configuration deviation list (CDL) or the minimum equipment list (MEL). Any unrectified defects should be discussed during the pre-flight briefing and the decision to accept these would be made on the commander’s authority CAT.GEN.MPA.105 (11) If a cabin crew is unsure or has a concern about any unserviceable equipment, they should discuss this with the flight crew.
CHIRP Comment
These reports highlight the importance of understanding how unserviceable equipment is managed and the role of the flight crew in making safety decisions. The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a document that allows an aircraft to operate safely even when certain systems or functions are inoperative. It specifies which defects are allowable, under what conditions and for how long. The MEL is aircraft-type specific and approved by the Competent Authority to ensure compliance with airworthiness requirements.
Cabin crew play a key role in this process by reporting defective or used equipment to the captain, whether during pre-flight checks or during flight operations, as this may affect MEL compliance. The decision to accept the aircraft ultimately rests with the commander, based on the MEL and a safety assessment and any unrectified defects should be discussed during the pre-flight briefing.
In this case, if the window was recorded only as stiff or difficult to operate, rather than formally unserviceable, it is at the captain’s discretion whether they are comfortable operating the aircraft, assuming MEL limitations are met. Cabin crew who have concerns about unserviceable or difficult-to-operate equipment should feel empowered to raise them with the flight crew before departure.
Open communication between cabin and flight crew is essential for safe operations. If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask questions on the day. Cabin crew should have confidence that flight crew will not accept or operate an aircraft that fails to meet the MEL requirements.