Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On arrival yesterday we got a strong burning rubber smell in the cabin. It seemed to dissipate when we removed electrical power to the galley and cabin. We were about 10 minutes out when it started. The FA searched around but couldn't find anything wrong (expect smell) except for the CEO temp panel was warmer than normal. We wrote it up; but couldn't get the smell to come back on the ground.Maintenance came out and ran stuff for a bit and the typical 'cannot duplicate' was achieved and signed off. I was surprised they didn't bring in people to test fly it. I was with a new CA and FA for the morning. I briefed them of the prior event the day prior. We then departed this morning; [and while] climbing out of 8000 ft we started smelling it again. It would come and go but was gradually getting stronger. It was a strong burning rubber smell. The FA did not smell it in the cabin; only the FWD galley and cockpit area. No smoke but something was creating a strong burning odor. We returned immediately and landed. We didn't feel the need to put masks on nor did we declare an emergency. It was VFR and we were given an immediate clearance with vector. If conditions had worsened beyond an odor; we would have declared an emergency. For whatever reason; we couldn't get the smell to appear on the ground. Maintenance mentioned the anti-ice/windshield heat could be arcing behind the panel. We did use the anti-ice for a cloud layer; but I don't personally think that was it based on when we were smelling the odor. It was not air-conditioning related; but definitely electrical of some sort.I've been seeing numerous repeat write-ups across our fleet. I don't have the basis to say it's lousy maintenance or complicated intermittent mechanicals. However; in my personal opinion; the most serious of events in the cockpit is having a burning smell. There should have been a much more thorough inspection after the 1st time we wrote it up. Test fly it if they have too. I find it very disappointing to have something so serious; just signed off so easily. And sure enough; the burning smell magically reappeared 5 mins after departing. It's frustrating to have repeat write-ups but this is the type of stuff that kills people. The maintenance people need to be absolutely sure they find the problem and fix it the first time.
Falcon 2000 First Officer reported experiencing a strong 'burning rubber' smell on two consecutive flights. Maintenance was unable to find the cause.