Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 7
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Procedure; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part; Company Policy; Human Factors
With the air pressure gauges taken off the MD-80 tires; there is no way [for flight crew] to check the tire pressure. Referred to the logbook; but was unable to tell when the last Tire Pressure Check was completed; so Maintenance was summoned before sunrise; local time. Upon Contract Maintenance's arrival and pressure check; it was found that all six tires were 10-15 psi below the minimum levels. Maintenance filled the tires and the flight departed one hour late without further incident. Tire pressure gauges are needed for the flight crews; or [have] regularly scheduled and logged; tire pressure checks [accomplished] by Maintenance.
A First Officer describes why air pressure gauges should be reinstalled on wheel assemblies for their MD-80 aircraft; after all six tires were found 10-15 psi below minimum levels. Due to lack of available information; he had requested tire pressures be checked during his preflight.