Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 217.78; Flight Crew Type 2185.97
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Human Factors
The electrical operation of flight deck door was inoperative and MELd. This required the crew to use the manual pin to lock the door in accordance with both the MEL and the FM. We had a long discussion among the crew about cockpit access in the event of pilot incapacitation. The flight manual has a warning not to use the manual pin unless directed by the MEL. In this case the MEL did direct us to do that. However; I now regret accepting the aircraft. There have been two fatal aircraft accidents that I can remember that have been caused by pilot incapacitation. I understand the necessity of the locking pin in case of door failure after dispatch. I also understand having the MEL in certain cases such as ferry flights. Dispatching the aircraft with that MEL with passengers on board is something that I am no longer comfortable doing.
B757 Captain reported accepting the aircraft with the cockpit door electrical operation inoperative and deferred; but also expressed safety concerns with the conditions.