A320
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Company Policy
Maintenance must use the utmost care before returning an aircraft to service following a fume event. Because the ability to smell the odor is usually lost after a few minutes of exposure to it; it may be difficult for them to make a valid assessment about whether the fumes are still present. We should ensure that mechanics are aware of this issue. Wider availability of the particle sniffer machine would help mechanics make objective assessments about whether an aircraft is fit to return to service. When I first met the FO (First Officer); he told me that when he was on the aircraft earlier; he did notice some residual fume smell. I did consider this and obtained the entire crew's concurrence with the plan to briefly board the aircraft and make an assessment. However; if I have a similar situation again; I will ask more active questions to determine whether it is safe to get on the aircraft even briefly. I don't think I gave anyone the impression of pressuring them to get on the aircraft to make the assessment; but if I have a future similar event; I will actively clarify that I am not creating any such pressure. [The company] must ensure that maintenance personnel are provided with appropriate personal protective/breathing equipment while they work on aircraft which have had a fume event. We hear a lot about medical issues affecting crew members--what about the mechanics? I didn't really think about this until I started preparing this report. If I have a future fume event; I will specifically make sure the mechanics feel comfortable working on the aircraft. [The company] must continue to investigate the causes of fume events and take action to prevent them. The root cause of the APU oil leak should be determined. [The company] must follow up with the FO to ensure that he is fit to return to duty and provide him with any assistance that may be necessary.
Improved evaluation of residual fumes in cabin before clearing aircraft for flight.
Airbus flight crew reported smelling residual fumes from an APU oil leak repair upon entering the aircraft.