Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General Maintenance Action; General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
Procedure; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part; Human Factors; Aircraft
During preflight the Captain noted that the nose gear pin was missing. Operations was contacted and advised that the pin was only required for use by station personnel and was not required to be with the aircraft during flight. Since ground and maintenance personnel are the only ones who use the pins and; since the pins are of absolutely no use to the crew in flight; this seemed reasonable. We departed and flew to our destination without further event. I then contacted Maintenance Control to see if they had an extra pin at [our arrival] station. At that time the Maintenance Controller stated that the pin was required and the aircraft should not be flown. The crew advised their Dispatcher of the situation; and agreed to delay the flight until the matter could be investigated. After approximately 15 minutes; we received an ACARS message stating that the Dispatcher talked with the Maintenance Control Manager and was assured the pin was not required. We again believed the matter to be resolved and departed the gate. On the way to the runway we received another ACARS message instructing us not to take off as Maintenance and Operations were still discussing going on as to the requirement of the gear pin. After waiting in the run-up pad for approximately 15 minutes; the crew received a final ACARS message instructing them to return to the gate because the pin was in fact required. The crew returned to the terminal and deplaned.The gear pins are only a necessity when towing the aircraft; performing certain maintenance items; or flying with inoperable landing gear. At no time in flight will the need for a gear pin suddenly arise. It seems like gear pins should not be difficult to add to the MEL or NEF procedures. Or; as an alternative; add a note to the AOM stating that the gear pins are only required if necessary due to an MEL or ferry permit. This would give clarification to the issue and avoid future confusion.
The absence of the nose gear pin on first flight of the day preflight blossomed into mass confusion between Maintenance; Operations and the flight crew of the CRJ. After being cleared to fly the first flight of their sequence; they were first held; then released and then recalled prior to takeoff at the intermediate stop.