Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 117; Flight Crew Total 5344; Flight Crew Type 207
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action; General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
MEL; Human Factors; Company Policy; Aircraft
The aircraft was dispatched to ZZZZ with the APU Bleed Valve MEL'd. ZZZZ has no pre-conditioned air for cooling the aircraft. This was a total blunder which resulted in excessive flight deck/cabin temperatures and a delayed pushback. The issue was exacerbated by ramp personnel who had a huge English speaking language barrier. This resulted in gross miscommunication between him and the Captain. The worst part was the ramper not understanding the difference between the air start cart being hooked up; and it providing pressurized air for starting. The cart was sitting there attached to the aircraft idling for an unnecessary 5 minutes while the cockpit/cabin temperatures continued to climb. The combination of no PC air and delayed engine start resulted in unacceptably high temperatures for the passengers and crew. The ramper also did not understand the difference between pulling the external power and pulling the air start cart. During and after pushback he did not use SOP phraseology. The care portion of the safety philosophy that [company] management preaches was completely thrown out the window in this case in favor of perceived cost savings. It should be noted that the APU Bleed Air Valve has been deferred for five days while passing through maintenance hubs; in July! Experience shows that anytime an aircraft is in a location with the ambient temperature above about 45 degrees Fahrenheit there should be PC air or APU cooling available during boarding to preclude uncomfortable cabin temperatures. It is irresponsible to dispatch an aircraft to a location with no pre-conditioned air. The aircraft was actually scheduled to go back to ZZZZ again; but we messaged dispatch and the [Chief Pilot] regarding the issue. Dispatch indicated that the aircraft would be refused.
B757 First Officer reported APU bleed valve MEL and language barrier with ground personnel not following standard procedures which resulted in excessive onboard temperatures.