Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
During pre-flight I discovered damage to the aircraft right gear door assembly. Damage was isolated to the lower front edge. I reported the damage to the Captain upon completion of my pre-flight. Captain checked the aircraft Maintenance Logs at that time for a DMI or MEL and found none noted. Prior to pushback Captain inspected the damage & took pictures. Some time later Captain called Maintenance back. During this call the Captain clearly stated the flights current delayed status and concern for a prolonged delay further for this new item. Captain clearly expressed his willingness and desire to accept the condition; go and have the repairs resolved at our destination. It was clear to me at the time; from the one sided conversation that I had heard between the Captain and Maintenance that they had decided this was an acceptable and best course of action.  It wasn't until we were airborne that ATC said Maintenance was attempting to reach us but they had received the message after our take off clearance was issued. During our ground time at the next stop I heard the Captain leave a voice mail for the Chief Pilot. It was then that I learned that Maintenance had not cleared the aircraft for departure and the Captain had solely made the decision to go and claimed full responsibility.
When the First Officer of an E-145 discovered damage to the right main gear door during the preflight inspection the Captain was unable to obtain Maintenance assistance and elected to proceed with the flight.  The First Officer was of the understanding Maintenance had consented to the action.